Students contest 'Sauerkraut Cup'

Thomas Hitzlsperger will chat to German language students

A German international Aston Villa star is lending his support to a university football match which aims to raise the profile of German language studies.

Thomas Hitzlsperger will watch an Aston University team take on a Birmingham University side for the "Sauerkraut Cup" at Solihull Borough FC.

He will present the trophy and meet German language pupils from local schools, who are invited to the event.

Organisers hope Wednesday's game will encourage more people to study German.

The language is currently declining in popularity among students.

Heiko Fritz, lecturer at the Institute for German Studies at the University of Birmingham, said it seemed an obvious thing to do.

"Germany will be hosting the World Cup 2006 and football is one of Germany's best known 'export goods', so the decision to link a German language event for schools with the beautiful game almost suggested itself."

The event, which is sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service and the German British Forum, kicks off at 1500 BST at Solihull Borough FC's Damson Park ground.