Reds Continue To Aid Japanese Cause

Four years on from the Great East Japan earthquake, Manchester United and official partner Kagome are continuing to support the many people affected by the disaster.

Such was the devastation caused by the quake and ensuing tsunami on 11 March 2011, the regeneration of the stricken Tohoku area is ongoing today, with temporary houses still in place in school grounds and parks.

United legend Andy Cole is returning to Japan for the third year of the Kagome Re:Generation Challenge Soccer School. From 26 March to 2 April, Cole and MU Soccer School coaches will visit Tohoku and conduct a six-day soccer school across the Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate prefectures.

There will be 10 football sessions over the six days, reaching 320 primary school children, with MU Foundation chief executive John Shiels attending some of the sessions.

Cole, who will be making his fourth visit to the region, said: "Tohoku is a place which remains close to my heart following my first visit in 2013.

"I am looking forward to going back again this year to have the opportunity to play soccer with the kids. I have enjoyed going the past three years and the kids always have fun."

And this year, to help further raise awareness for Tohoku and to lift the spirits of its people, Kagome has launched the Tohoku United Project, which encourages fans from all over the world to upload their 'air soccer' videos online to connect to the people of Tohoku.

United players, coaches, legends and staff have all shown their support by sharing videos, in which they control, do 'keepy-uppies' and pass on an imaginary ball, on Vine. You can get involved and show your support by filming your own video.

The more videos that are uploaded, the more footballs Kagome will donate the children of Tohoku, and everyone who participates has the chance to win a piece of Old Trafford turf or a signed shirt.

United’s players also recently linked with up local schoolchildren to pen messages of support to the children of Tohoku who will take part in this year’s soccer school.

The messages have been sewn together on a giant flag, which will be presented before the Reds’ game against Tottenham this weekend, and then Cole will deliver it to the children in Tohoku.