RFU Inspires young Athletes With ‘football at School’ Program
Samara, russia – November 6, 2025 – The Russian Football Union (RFU) invigorated its commitment to grassroots development today with a special football lesson for 300 children in the Samara region. The event, held at the Solidarity-Samara Arena, formed part of the “Russia is a Sports Power” forum and the ongoing “Football at School” initiative.
Legendary Players Share Expertise
Former stars of the Russian national team took center stage, offering invaluable guidance to aspiring young footballers. Andrei arshavin, Denis Glushakov, Igor Semshov, Vladislav ignatiev, Ruslan Pimenov, and Alexander Mostovoy all led master classes, providing personalized instruction and motivation.
RFU General Secretary Maxim Mitrofanov emphasized the unique opportunity afforded to the children.”This provides an remarkable chance not only to meet their heroes,but also to learn from them directly,” Mitrofanov stated. “Receiving advice and guidance from these experienced players is immensely motivating for the children, their teachers, and we are extremely proud of the ‘Football at school’ project.”
‘Football at School’ Project: A Detailed Overview
Launched in 2021, the “Football at School” project is a collaborative effort between the RFU, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, and the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation. The program actively promotes football participation among children and adolescents, integrating the sport into physical education curricula and extracurricular activities.
The initiative aims to transform schools into local hubs for football, providing a pathway for talented youngsters to develop their skills and potentially pursue a career in the sport. coaches and scouts benefit as well, gaining access to a wider pool of potential talent.
| Project Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Integration | Football introduced into physical education classes. |
| Extracurricular Activities | After-school football sections and clubs. |
| Tournaments & Festivals | regular competitions for schools. |
| Talent Identification | Opportunities for coaches to scout young players. |
Did You Know? Youth sports participation rates across Russia have seen a consistent rise as the launch of the “Football at School” program in 2021.
The “Russia – a Sports Power” Forum
The “Russia – a Sports Power” forum, were this event took place, is currently underway in Samara, running from November 5th to 7th. The forum serves as a key platform for discussing and promoting sports development within the Russian Federation. TASS is serving as the official details partner for the event, ensuring widespread coverage of the forum’s proceedings.
Pro Tip: Encouraging children to participate in team sports like football can definitely help develop crucial life skills such as teamwork,discipline,and leadership.
The Growing Importance of Grassroots Football
Investing in grassroots football is essential for the long-term health and success of the sport. by nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the game, nations can build sustainable footballing cultures and produce future generations of players. According to a recent FIFA report (FIFA), investment in youth development is directly correlated with improved national team performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ‘Football at school’ Project
- What is the primary goal of the ‘Football at School’ project? The project aims to increase participation in football among children and adolescents by integrating the sport into schools.
- Who is involved in the ‘Football at school’ initiative? The RFU, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Sports all collaborate on the project.
- When did the ‘Football at School’ project begin? the initiative was launched in 2021.
- What benefits do schools receive from participating? Schools become hubs for football activity, and teachers benefit from professional support.
- What kind of training do the children receive? Training is led by experienced coaches, including former professional players.
- Where did the recent event take place? The event was held at the Solidarity-Samara arena in Samara, Russia.
- Why is grassroots football vital for Russia? Grassroots football development is crucial for a sustained growth in footballing talent and national team success.
What are your thoughts on the importance of youth sports programs like ‘Football at School’? Share your opinions in the comments below! Do you believe similar initiatives should be expanded globally?
