Gazprom Football to include young Bangladeshi talent

February 20, 2018 00:00:00

Young footballers pose at the Friendship Open Draw in Moscow.

Gazprom, the official partners of FIFA and World Cup 2018 in Russia, have announced as part of the sixth season of its Football for Friendship (F4F) International Children's Social Project.

Under the project one talented young Bangladeshi footballer will get the opportunity to participate in the International Team of Friendship, reports press release.

The project has been launched in Bangladesh for the second time.

The F4F Open Draw was held in Moscow. The programme has expanded from 64 countries in 2017 to 211 countries and regions in 2018.

About 32 International Teams of Friendship were formed during the Open Draw, as well as playing roles for each Young Player from each country (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder or forward) were determined.

These 32 teams will compete at the Football for Friendship World Championship on 12 June 2018.

The F4F aims to bring together youngsters from 211 countries to play football while upholding the values of friendship, equality, peace and respect. The format of the tournament features 32 International Teams of Friendship, each named after endangered animals, comprising players aged 12 and coached by teenagers from 14 to 16. Teams are made up of footballers from different countries, genres and physical abilities.

As per F4F's Open Drawn, Bangladesh will play a defender in its International Team of Friendship. The final events of the season will be held in Moscow from June 08-15.

"The sixth season of the International children's social programme Football for Friendship is officially open. This year, F4F is supported by 211 countries and regions! For the very first time, young athletes from all parts of the world where football is played will meet on the same field. We live in an age where people all over the world seek to unite behind the principles of equality and respect for each other. The project is a crucial element in this process. Football for Friendship gives that opportunity to everyone," said Viktor Zubkov, chairman of the Board of Directors of PJSC Gazprom.