The idea is to show these boys at a critical stage of their education that languages can be fun but can also help to develop interesting careers.

Dr Bob Powell, Warwick University

Dr Bob Powell, the director of Warwick University's language centre said: "Research has shown that boys' attitudes to languages at school can be pretty negative so anything we can do to improve their perception of the usefulness of languages in adult life helps."

Dr Powell says he will use the players' names to talk to the boys about pronunciation.

He will also draw on the names of different kinds of pasta or italian beer and wine.

And when it comes to learning to count in Italian, the boys will practice by saying football scores.

Men in languages

The day is one of several events being held to mark the european year of languages and is also part of a scheme developed by Warwickshire's education authority called "Men into languages education.

Fifty boys aged between 14 and 15 will come to the university on 14 June for a taste of Italian and Japanese, after spending some time with men who use languages in their professions.

Dr Powell said the aim of the day was to show boys the benefits of learning languages.

"The idea is to show these boys at a critical stage of their education that languages can be fun but can also help to develop interesting careers," he said.

Dr Powell did a doctorate on the reasons why boys do not study languages as much as girls.

He believes the problem is one of attitude.

"They are often socialised in their early years away from areas where communication is vital, towards more practical things," Dr Powell said.

"That's why I am very keen to get language training in primary schools. By the time they get to 12 or 13 they have other priorities.

"It doesn't help that they are in a country where language learning is not perceived to be that important."