CLUB NEWS

31/03/2014 12:37,

Andy Cole recently returned to the Tohoku region of Japan as part of the Kagome Re:Generation Challenge, delivering football sessions to those children whose lives were affected by the tsunami three years ago.

The former Reds striker travelled to Fukushima on Friday, 12 months on from his last visit, in a continued effort to showcase the region's tenacity and, through coaching, to encourage Fukushima's children to never give up.

"I have been involved with the Kagome Re:Generation challenge since the launch two years ago and have been inspired by the strength and community spirit in the region," Cole said.

"I want to make sure the children enjoy the session and leave with a big smile on their faces."

Cole's 2014 visit also takes in coaching sessions this week in two other Japanese prefectures, Miyagi and Iwate.

In March 2013, United and official partner Kagome officially launched the Re:Generation Challenge to drive awareness to Tohoku, after which Cole helped run a five-day Manchester United Soccer Schools camp in the region, which was attended by 160 children.

Click the image above to see a gallery of photos of Cole in Fukushima.

More: Reds back Japanese cause

distributed by