Yuki Abe, who played in all four of his country’s World Cup games in South Africa and recently signed for nearby Leicester City, took part in a penalty shoot-out with pupils from Brookvale High School in Groby.

Abe’s visit was in support of the university’s ‘Musubi’ project which promotes Japanese language and culture.

After being put on the spot on the football pitch Abe took part in a question and answer session in Japanese to help pupils practise their language skills.

The youngsters also took part in a range of Japanese-themed activities including Taiko drumming workshops and sumo wrestling.

The event was the third Musubi day held at Loughborough University.

Musubi is Japanese for a ‘connection’ and was influenced by the university’s agreement with the JOC which will see the two organisations working together up to and beyond the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The university will act as a training and accommodation hub for Japanese athletes.

Chris Earle, Director of Sport at Loughborough University, said: "The Musubi days are a tremendous addition to the work we are already doing with schools and young people.

"Musubi also illustrates how our agreement with the Japanese Olympic Committee is bringing real tangible benefits to local communities.

"I hope the students attending the Musubi day will continue to develop the skills they will learn.

"I also hope they are inspired by our facilities and by meeting World Cup footballer Yuki Abe."

Gaynor Nash, the regional 2012 children and young people’s coordinator, who created the Musubi project said: "I am delighted Yuki Abe was so keen to find out about Musubi and to be part of one of our days.

"Japanese athletes will be regular visitors to Loughborough and Yuki will be welcome here to say ‘konnichi wa’ to his countrymen and women or to language students from around the region."
 

Leicester City Commercial Director Paul Hunt added: "The club is always keen to develop new initiatives with organisations, engage with the local community and to assist with the development of its players.

"The link to the Musubi events with Yuki Abe delivers the perfect opportunity to do all three.

"We look forward to developing this further over the coming months."

The Musubi project has received the London 2012 Inspire mark and a prestigious European Award for Languages 2010. 


Related stories
August 2009: Loughborough University turning Japanese for London 2012
May 2009: Loughborough signs deal with Japan