View from pitch-level in Russia

VORONEZH – When the project began in 2014, the obstacles we faced seemed insurmountable: loads of children with cognitive or motor issues, analytical and repetitive training methods a world away from our ideas on the game, plus a language and culture completely different from our own.

Two years on, observing that gradually we’re finding common ground between our methodologies, something which increases with every visit, is the first important result. It’s the springboard to continue developing the project in a positive manner and it’s all down to time spent in practical and theoretical training, constantly meeting with local coaches in the classroom and sharing ideas on the pitch.

Coaches aside, however, the children are always our priority, the rationale behind everything we do. Developing them as individuals, even more so in complex environments like where Inter Campus operates, is undoubtedly something we treasure and prize. The cognitive and psychological problems in Russia make it even more evident how much physical activity, along with specific educational work in the classroom, can play a decisive role.

During the tournament between the two centres held at the school in Voronezh, we emphasised the social and emotional aspect of the sport. For example, the six teams didn’t use the classic names of famous footballers or successful clubs, rather values and emotions like уважение (respect), счастье (happiness), честность (honesty), дружба (friendship), солидарность (solidarity) and терпимость (tolerance). It was a positive and enjoyable tournament, where girls and boys in mixed teams from both schools in Voronezh and Bobrov competed in the spirit of a товарищеский матч (friendly game), which is what sets the work of Inter Campus apart.

Confident about the future, we agreed to meet again next spring, feeling sure that our coaches Alexei and Vadim will continue to spread the same message that Inter Campus tries to bring all over the world: train while learning and having fun.

Finally, little by little we’re picking up Russian as well.

Молодцы! До свидания и спасибо большое. (Well done! Goodbye and thank you very much)

30.09.2016