University welcomes Japanese Football Association delegation

The University of Wolverhampton has welcomed five representatives from the Japanese Football Association (JFA) as part of an international knowledge exchange programme focused on inclusive football, coach development and community engagement.

Hosted by Senior Lecturer in Football Coaching Rus Smith, the week-long initiative brought together University students, expert football partners and community organisations from across the West Midlands to share best practice and explore how football can create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The University was selected to host the programme in partnership with Sports4Change in recognition of its football coaching expertise, commitment to inclusion and strong industry partnerships.

The programme also highlighted the strengths of the University's Football Coaching and Performance degree, which combines academic study with practical industry experience, giving students opportunities to work alongside professional clubs, community organisations and international partners.

During the visit, the Japanese delegation met with partners including Wolves Foundation, Walsall FC Foundation, The Albion Foundation and Birmingham County FA, exploring approaches to coach development, community engagement, education and inclusive football, while sharing experiences and insights from Japan.

University students played an active role throughout the programme, working alongside international delegates and industry partners. The experience enabled them to expand their professional networks, develop international awareness and gain first-hand insight into how football can be used to promote inclusion and social impact.

As part of the growing partnership, students studying Football Coaching and Performance at the University will have the opportunity to visit Japan in 2027, further strengthening international learning and cultural exchange opportunities.

Rus Smith said: "This has been a fantastic opportunity to bring together education, football and international knowledge exchange. Our students have been able to learn directly alongside colleagues from the Japanese Football Association, while our partners have showcased some of the excellent inclusive and community football work taking place across the Black Country.

"The project is about much more than simply sharing ideas. It is about building relationships, challenging our own thinking and looking at how football can create opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or ability."

Junko Imai from the Japanese Football Association said: "The provision and wider football inclusivity shared by Rus, his students and partner organisations has been amazing to see. The community engagement and inclusion delivered through football has given us new ideas and opportunities to learn from experts."

The knowledge exchange marks another step in the developing relationship between the University of Wolverhampton, Sports4Change, football partners across the West Midlands and football organisations in Japan, creating opportunities for collaboration, student mobility and the sharing of expertise across international football communities.