An English-language school in Hekinan, Aichi Prefecture, has tied up with the prestigious soccer school in the U.K. that produced David Beckham, aiming to help young Japanese get a grasp of the language so they can play abroad professionally.
The Bobby Charlton Soccer & Sports Academy, organized by Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton, sent a British coach to Japan to teach soccer to local youngsters in English.
"Run faster to that side!" Paraic Donnelly, the 23-year-old coach who arrived in late January, yelled to the little players on a playground in Hekinan's waterfront area. "Go! Go!"