Interview with Kurashiki Ablaze Coach Suzuki Hideo
Kurashiki Ablaze, which is expected to perform well in the V League.
We spoke with Coach Suzuki Hideo, who created the first women's professional volleyball team in Kurashiki.
The Background of Kurashiki Ablaze's Birth
Why did you decide to create a volleyball team in Kurashiki?
Suzuki
After retiring from volleyball, I moved from Nara to Kurashiki, but I still loved volleyball and was teaching it to children while working.
As I had more opportunities to coach students, I saw many players who I thought had great potential, saying things like, "This player is going to grow" or "This player has high potential."
When I asked those kids, "What will you do after you graduate from school?" many responded, "I have to quit because of my family's situation," or "I have to quit because there is no place to play volleyball while working."
So I asked the students, "What would you think if I created a team?" and they earnestly replied, "That would be great, please really make it happen."
To Establish a Volleyball Team
I see. So that’s when you decided to create the team?
Suzuki
I had always wanted to create a team, so I tried forming a corporate club team and coached a women's volleyball team, gaining various experiences.
Then, when I solidified my intention to create a professional team, I thought about what was the most necessary thing to establish a team.
A gymnasium for practice is necessary.
Like any team, we struggled to secure available times to rent school or city gymnasiums.
Understanding that situation well, I thought it was essential to first create a practice location for the team, and in 2018, I built a dedicated gymnasium for the team in Minami-une, Mizushima.
Finally Forming the Team
It's amazing that you built a gymnasium. Did you then gather players?
Suzuki
Yes, after that, we held tryouts and accepted seven players.
Whenever I heard about good players, I traveled around the country to scout them.
After rigorous training, we achieved third place nationally and became champions in Western Japan during our corporate team days.
We cleared various conditions and obtained the S3 License, allowing us to participate in the dream-level top professional V League.
Community Contribution Activities
I see. You went through extraordinary hardships, and your dream came true. Currently, it seems you are focusing on community contribution activities.
Suzuki
We are still a newly started team.
First, I want the local people to know about our team.
If the players do not become a familiar presence, people will not take an interest.
By interacting with the local community, I want them to get to know the players and become fans.
I hope we can become a team and players loved by the local community.
Contribution Activities in the Philippines
I heard that you are also active in the Philippines, and that there are many fans of Kurashiki Ablaze there.
Suzuki
My experience coaching at a school in the Philippines led to an invitation to a match in the top league in the Philippines.
I believe that Kurashiki Ablaze gained more fans after miraculously winning that match.
To express our gratitude for the victory, we visited the impoverished area known as "Smoky Mountain" in the Philippines and gave children sweets and stationery.
It might have surprised and impressed people since it was a place that even locals do not go to.
However, we genuinely just wanted to express our gratitude, and we hope to continue volunteering in that area.
What is Smoky Mountain?
It is one of the impoverished areas in Manila, Philippines. People collect waste from the mountain of garbage and make a living through recycling. Many children live in poor conditions and do not have enough food.
Future Goals
Do you have any future plans or goals?
Suzuki
The V League organization will change to a new league starting next year (2024).
Even after the change, we will of course belong to the V League, and our goal is to win the league.
We will also challenge various other tournaments, including the National Sports Festival and tournaments in the Philippines, and aim to be a representative team of Kurashiki.
Since there will be home games in Kurashiki, I want many people to come to watch, get to know Kurashiki, and become a team that receives support.
To achieve that, I want to actively participate in community activities, let people know about the team and players, share our passionate feelings, and aim for the league championship with everyone's support.
Conclusion
When welcoming the players, Suzuki thought it was important not to cause concern for the players' parents.
He employed them as employees in his company, creating a system that allows them to continue playing volleyball while being able to function as working adults, ensuring a safe environment for their parents.
In terms of living arrangements, he has provided dormitories for the players, considering that living alone might make it difficult for them to have proper meals, and he offers nutritious dinners.
Because he prioritizes the players and thoroughly creates an environment where they can focus on volleyball, the players can endure rigorous training and achieve victories.
"I want not just a few people, but all the children in the community to love volleyball and become strong,"
says Suzuki.
The first women's professional volleyball team born in Kurashiki will surely become a team that inspires courage and emotion in children who want to pursue sports.
Through this interview, I gained a deeper understanding of Kurashiki Ablaze, met an attractive team and players, and received a lot of energy.
As a citizen of Kurashiki, I will continue to support Kurashiki Ablaze.
Data on Kurashiki Ablaze
| Organization Name | Kurashiki Ablaze |
|---|---|
| Industry | Professional Volleyball Team |
| Representative Name | Suzuki Hideo |
| Year Established | 2019 |
| Address | 2-23-1 Minami-une, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-455-5500 |
| Website | Kurashiki Ablaze |
