Mie Prefecture-based Suzuka Unlimited unveiled Milagros Martinez Dominguez as the club¡¯s new manager on Wednesday, becoming the first men¡¯s team in a Japanese national league to hire a woman for the position.
The 33-year-old Spaniard holds a UEFA Pro License, the top certification required to manage clubs participating in Europe¡¯s continental competitions. She previously managed Fundacion Albacete in the Spanish women¡¯s first division and has most recently been in charge of the women¡¯s team at Atletico Tomelloso.
¡°I would like to thank Suzuka Unlimited for providing me the opportunity to manage the club next season, as well as the chance to manage a men¡¯s team,¡± Dominguez said through a club release.
¡°I¡¯m happy and excited to be able to coach in Japan. It¡¯s a dream come true to experience Japanese soccer and culture. I look forward to achieving the goals set by the club and also to bringing the Spanish way of soccer to Suzuka.¡±
The announcement comes as Unlimited prepares to participate in the Japan Football League, the country¡¯s top amateur competition, for the first time after finishing runner-up in November¡¯s regional champions league tournament.
According to the club¡¯s announcement, the hunt for a female manager began with a Google search for ¡°soccer female manager.¡±
¡°As we aim to upset the hierarchy in Japan¡¯s fourth division, we believe we need to take on challenges that other clubs have not,¡± read a news release by Suzuka. ¡°After learning of previous manager Keiju Karashima¡¯s intent to step down, we decided to seek a female manager to replace him.¡±
After being introduced to Dominguez by Spain-based coach Yuriko Saeki, the club sought ¡ª and received ¡ª JFL approval for the signing.
Suzuka, which formed from a 2008 merger between Mie FC Rampole and Suzuka Club, finished first in the last two seasons of the Tokai Adult Soccer League. The club aspires to become Mie Prefecture¡¯s first J. League member.
The 16-team JFL, a mix of corporate teams and clubs seeking entry into the J. League, is scheduled to begin its 21st season on March 17.
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