Students Unite in Football and Friendship

Students participate in friendly tournament

Year 7 students from Overnewton College and Rowville Sports Academy came together on Monday 30th April to take part in a small-sided tournament, based on the 2018 Gazprom Football for Friendship (F4F) programme format.

In June, students from 211 countries will take part in this global initiative, including Noah Borg (Overnewton) and Luca Durso (Rowville), who will represent Australia in Moscow.

Students from the two schools united in ‘teams of friendship’, with three students from each school combining to form teams that were named after countries competing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Rowville Football Director and event convener, Ian Greener, introduced the dual coloured ‘friendship bracelet’ and shared its significance.

“When you wear this friendship bracelet on your wrist, you are showing your willingness to follow the principles of this movement: friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions and honour! These principles are not only for the football field. Feel free to follow them anywhere, anytime! Share a bracelet with a friend and start the race to peace, equality and fairness.”

The students exchanged bracelets, met their new teammates and began the round-robin competition. There were fine examples of skilful play from the boys and girls, and it was great to see the positivity and enjoyment the students experienced. In the end, team Russia defeated team Australia in the final.

Emanuel Saakai, founder, CEO and Head Coach of Lengo Football Academy, thanked all of the students for taking part in this event and encouraged the children to keep enjoying their football and working towards their fullest potential.