This year Football for Friendship program will be held in St. Petersburg from June 26 to July 3. Footballers from 64 countries will make up 8 teams. The participants are kids no older than 12, one from each country. Every team will also have one young coach and one young reporter.
Mediamax Sport met with Edgar Aslanyan, the Armenia representative soon leaving for St. Petersburg, and his coach Levon Ghasaboghlyan. It’s noteworthy that Edgar’s teammates are from Venezuela, Iceland, Pakistan, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, and India.
Photo: Mediamax
Academy 1-05 team coach Levon Ghasaboghlyan
I was very happy to learn from our federation that one of my players will perform in the program. The draw decided that the Armenian footballer will play in attack, and fluent English was required apart from football skills. I have to note, Edgar had tough competition and was chosen at the last moment. I’m proud that my players are competitive. I’m certain that’s the only way to have good football in the country.
We’ve been preparing for the Football for Friendship program for three months. We didn’t only focus on football during his training. In general, I try to be a friend for my players and create a relaxed atmosphere where children don’t feel tense. I get Edgar mentally ready too, because he’s only 12 years old and this is his first international tournament. He should be calm, as tension will hinder him.
Photo: Mediamax
It matters to me that the children have good human qualities first. Edgar is a very good kid. He’s well-behaved, he’s got interesting, unconventional skills in sport. Of course, he’s got a big room for improvement, but I believe that if trained right, he will become a promising footballer.
I will be a coach at the tournament, but not on Edgar’s team. I have a good feeling about the program. I’m sure any problem can be solved and I’m ready for any challenge.
Photo: Mediamax
We’ll have a packed schedule during the tournament, but it’s aimed at building friendship so I’m sure everything will be great. We’ll return with good impressions and experience.
12-year-old Edgar Aslanyan
Photo: Mediamax
I was six when I went to the Armenian Football Federation’s Technical Center-Academy for the first time. I loved football very much and always watched it on TV. I told my dad I wanted to become a footballer. He trained goalkeepers and took me to the training ground one day.
During the game I like to make passes and score goals. I played as left midfielder first, but our forward left and the coach decided I should take on his role.
I was so happy when I found out I was chosen for the Football for Friendship! We’re training with Mr. Ghasaboghlyan now so I can perform well in the tournament. I don’t think it’ll be easy because I’ll play with children from other countries. But I will definitely learn a lot, make friends, and have good games.
Photo: Mediamax
I’ll tell them about our country and invite them to Armenia. If they come, I’ll take them to the Armenian Genocide Memorial, Tsitsernakaberd. Oh, and to Lake Sevan too. It’s summer, isn’t it?
We’ll watch the Confederations Cup final in St. Petersburg. I want Germany and Portugal to play in the final and Germany to win.
Gohar Nalbandyan
Photos by Grigor Yepremyan
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