Temple launches real-life 'Shaolin Soccer'

A temple in China has reportedly launched a football training centre based around the martial art of Shaolin kung fu.

According to AFP, the initiative was launched last October in Henan province and boasts over 40 students aged around 10, who are trained by retired Cameroon footballer Alphonse Tchami.

Shi Yanlu, head coach at the training base, told the official Xinhua news agency: "Chinese football is in the doldrums, and when some elements of Shaolin kung fu, particularly its spirit, are integrated into soccer, we hope it will help improve the training level of football."

He added that the physical aspects of Shaolin kung fu could also help improve the footballing ability of potential players.

Director/actor Stephen Chow's 2001 hit Hong Kong sports comedy Shaolin Soccer tells the story of a Shaolin kung fu master who tries to popularise the martial art through football.

Chow was briefly in line to direct and star in The Green Hornet but later pulled out of the project.