YAMASHITA Ayaka

General
SWITCH TO GOALKEEPER
She originally played in defensive positions in primary school and then began playing as a forward after entering middle school. She was encouraged to switch to the goalkeeper position in grade 10 of high school because her team needed a goalkeeper. "I had difficulties being included in the squad as a forward and I was also not good at long-distance running. I had played the position [goalkeeper] from time to time and a goalkeeper coach suggested I make the switch permanent. I had the image that a goalkeeper would not run, so I accepted his offer. Actually, I wasn't that serious about football at that time, because I thought I would quit the sport after graduating from high school. However, the following year, I participated in a training camp for goalkeepers, and was motivated by fellow players. As I was called up to the U19 Japanese team, I decided to dedicate myself to the sport. If I hadn't turned into a goalkeeper, it would have been a completely different life." (fujitv.co.jp, 2019; jfa.jp, 19 Nov 2021)