University supports inclusive football development in Japan

A University lecturer has recently completed a successful visit to Japan, helping to educate football coaches on inclusive coaching practices and disability sport development as part of an exciting international partnership project.

Working alongside student travel partner Sport4Change who help our students for international work experience, the University delivered specialist coach education workshops in both the Tokyo (Chibu) and Shizuoka Football Association regions. More than 40 Japanese FA coaches participated in the programme, gaining practical knowledge and skills to adapt coaching sessions and create more inclusive environments within their mainstream football clubs.

The training focused on Coaching for Inclusion, providing coaches with tools and strategies to ensure that players with disabilities and additional needs can participate fully in football activities alongside their peers. Through practical demonstrations, discussion sessions, and collaborative learning, coaches explored ways to remove barriers to participation and promote opportunities for all players.

The visit represents a growing international collaboration between Sport4Change utilising Rus experience at University of Wolverhampton, and the Japanese Football Association. The project aims to share best practice in inclusive sport and create meaningful opportunities for coach education, student engagement, and international partnership working.

As part of the next phase of the collaboration, representatives from the Japanese Football Association will visit the University of Wolverhampton this autumn to continue knowledge exchange and strengthen relationships. The partnership is also expected to provide opportunities for University of Wolverhampton students to visit Japan in 2027, further enhancing international learning and cultural exchange through sport.

Dan Dodge, Director of Sport4Change, said:

"Working alongside Rus Smith and the University of Wolverhampton continues to be a fantastic partnership for Sport4Change. Rus brings a wealth of expertise in inclusive coaching and coach education, ensuring that every project we deliver is underpinned by quality, evidence-based practice and meaningful impact. The work in Japan is a great example of how international collaboration can support coaches to create more inclusive opportunities for participants in their communities.

Beyond the immediate impact of coach education, this partnership also creates exciting pathways for University of Wolverhampton students to engage in international projects, gaining valuable real-world experience while contributing to positive social change through sport. We are looking forward to building on the success of this project and welcoming future student involvement as our international partnerships continue to grow."

Rus Smith, University of Wolverhampton Senior Lecturer in Football Coaching, said:

"Sport has the power to bring people together and create opportunities for everyone. It has been fantastic to work with coaches in Tokyo and Shizuoka who are passionate about making football more inclusive. We are excited to continue the developing partnership with Sport4Change and we will welcome our Japanese colleagues to the University of Wolverhampton later this year."

For more information about this exciting project, please visit Sport4Change Dan Dodge enquiries@sport4change.co.uk  - or contact Rus Smith located at Walsall Campus r.smith16@wlv.ac.uk.