Reds Back Japanese Cause

Manchester United’s first-team stars have donated match-worn socks to aid a project in the area of Japan devastated by the earthquake and tsunami three years ago this month.

In temporary housing communities, residents who lost their homes in Tohoku, the region hardest hit by the disaster, make 'Onokun' dolls out of socks and sell them to raise money.

And United’s players have joined forces with official partner Kagome to donate football socks, so a life-size doll can be made and auctioned off to raise funds.

It’s all part of United and Kagome’s continued efforts to drive public and media awareness to the Tohoku region. Now in its second year, the Kagome Re:Generation Challenge is a soccer schools project that focuses on the children affected by the tsunami, many of whom lost parents and homes.

Andy Cole is returning to Japan at the end of the month to help run three soccer camps, which will be attended by more than 300 children from Tohoku.

Jamie Reigle, United’s managing director for Asia Pacific, said: "Kagome’s commitment to aid efforts in the tsunami-affected areas of Japan is the primary reason Manchester United chose to partner with Kagome.

"The Kagome Re:Generation Challenge activities not only serve to raise awareness of the continued challenges facing the people of Tohoku, they leverage the power of football to provide the region's children with unique experiences that they will remember forever.

"Manchester United is proud to be associated with Kagome's initiatives and hopes that the club can serve as a source of inspiration for the people of Tohoku."