1. Overview
Jun Shimizu (清水 純Shimizu JunJapanese, born May 21, 1985) is a former Japanese football player who primarily played as a defender. His professional career spanned from 2008 to 2014, during which he played for Banditonce Kakogawa and Fukushima United FC. He is known for his consistent contributions in the lower divisions of Japanese football, concluding his career with a stint in the J3 League.
2. Early life and amateur career
Jun Shimizu's formative years in football and education laid the groundwork for his later professional career, starting from local youth clubs and progressing through the university level.
2.1. Birth and background
Jun Shimizu was born on May 21, 1985, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. His early education included attendance at Saitama Prefectural Irumakoyo High School.
2.2. Youth and university career
Shimizu's football journey began with local youth teams, including Togane SSS and Asia Jr. Youth. He then moved on to play for Asia Youth, which was associated with Saitama Prefectural Irumakoyo High School, from 2001 to 2003. Following his high school career, he joined Asia University and played for their football team from 2004 to 2007, honing his skills before turning professional.
3. Professional club career
Jun Shimizu embarked on his professional football career in 2008, spending six seasons with two different clubs, primarily as a defender. He stood at 72 in (183 cm) tall and weighed 181 lb (82 kg).
3.1. Banditonce Kakogawa
Shimizu joined Banditonce Kakogawa in 2008, immediately after completing his university studies. During his single season with the club in the Kansai Soccer League Division 1, he made 12 league appearances and scored 2 goals. His performance earned him a spot in the Kansai Soccer League Division 1 Best XI for the 2008 season.
3.2. Fukushima United FC
In 2009, Shimizu transferred to Fukushima United FC, where he would spend the majority of his professional career, remaining with the club for six consecutive seasons until 2014. From 2009 to 2012, Fukushima United FC competed in the Tohoku Soccer League Division 1, where Shimizu accumulated 42 league appearances and 4 goals. In 2013, the club joined the JFL, and Shimizu played in 8 league matches without scoring. His final season, 2014, saw Fukushima United FC transition to the newly formed J3 League, where he made 17 appearances, again without scoring. His J.League debut came on May 4, 2014, in a J3 match against FC Ryukyu at Okinawa City Athletics Stadium. Overall, during his time at Fukushima United FC, he made 67 league appearances and scored 4 goals. His contract with the club expired after the 2014 season.
3.3. Career statistics
The following table details Jun Shimizu's club career statistics:
| Season | Club | League | League Apps | League Goals | Emperor's Cup Apps | Emperor's Cup Goals | Total Apps | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Kakogawa | Kansai 1st Div. | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 2 |
| 2009 | Fukushima | Tohoku 1st Div. | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 1 |
| 2010 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 1 | ||
| 2011 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 3 | ||
| 2012 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 2 | ||
| 2013 | JFL | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2014 | J3 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 0 | |
| Career total | 79 | 6 | 11 | 3 | 90 | 9 | ||
3.4. Honours
- Kansai Soccer League Division 1 Best XI: 2008
4. Retirement
Jun Shimizu concluded his professional football career at the end of the 2014 season. His departure from Fukushima United FC was due to the expiration of his contract, marking the end of his playing career.
5. See also
- List of people from Saitama Prefecture
- Asia University
- Fukushima United FC
6. External links
- [https://data.j-league.or.jp/SFIX04/?player_id=11942 J.League Data Site]
- [https://ameblo.jp/j216046/ ３→5～shimizu jun official blog (Jun Shimizu Official Blog)]
- [https://twitter.com/nujimihs Jun Shimizu on Twitter]