Countdown to Russia for ‘Aussie’ delegation ahead of Football 4 Friendship 2018

The Australian delegation will depart for Moscow, Russia for the Football for Friendship (F4F) International Children's Social program. This program is implemented by Gazprom, official partner of FIFA and the World Cup Russia 2018. The goal of the program is…

The Australian delegation will depart for Moscow, Russia for the Football for Friendship (F4F) International Children's Social program. This program is implemented by Gazprom, official partner of FIFA and the World Cup Russia 2018. The goal of the program is to involve the young generation throughout the world in promoting the most important human values among their peers - friendship, equality, peace and respect for different cultures and nationalities.

Emanuel Saakai, founder of Lengo Football Academy, explains how this opportunity came about:

“We started the foundation in a small Maasai village in Tanzania to empower disadvantaged young people and communities, using football as a vehicle to transform their lives. Last year, we received an invitation from Gazprom Football For Friendship to take part in their international football tournament with 64 countries from all over the world. In 2018, they approached us again and we have put together a team of 12 countries, which includes Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.”

Other members of the Australian delegation include Anthony Grima (Football Federation Victoria), Lachlan Armstrong and Nikki Little (Overnewton College).