Regions from a total of 54 participated in the "Youth Decide the Future" football competition
Sochi Hosts Jubilee Charity Football Tournament for Orphaned Children
On Friday, the Russian city of Sochi played host to the final of the "Your Future Depends on You" charity football tournament, a significant event for orphaned children across the country. This tournament marked its 20th anniversary and received support from prominent figures in the Russian football scene, MegaFon's volunteer movement, and leading football clubs in the nation.
"Breakthrough" from the Kirov region emerged victorious in the younger age group, while "Athletic" from the Tver region took the title in the older bracket. All participants in the project were acknowledged for their achievements.
The tournament's jubilee edition featured innovative formats, with 94 project graduates taking turns managing the event's Telegram channel, providing an opportunity to explore careers in journalism and social media. Additionally, 830 participants gained insights into potential professions through a career guidance program within the "SkillCity" social project.
A total of 2,862 young athletes from 140 children's homes participated in this year's competition, covering 54 Russian regions. The winning teams will enjoy a unique experience, spending a weekend with the Russian national team during a friendly encounter against Nigeria and attending a sports camp in Serbia for further training and international networking.
Launched 20 years ago by MegaFon employees in St. Petersburg, the tournament has since become an integral part of the company's values. It has developed into a federal initiative focusing not only on physical development but also addressing social and family structures. In partnership with the "Change One Life" foundation, MegaFon has created video profiles for over 900 children from orphanages, helping them find families and new homes.
These efforts have been recognized with the international "#WEARETOGETHER - 2024" award in the "Responsible Business" category. The tournament serves as a testament to the impact that an employee-led initiative can have on a community, offering more than just competition—it forges friendships, provides support, and fosters self-belief. As Roman Ermolenko, Director of Corporate Development and Human Resources, stated, "Each of their victories is our collective triumph."
Midfielder Dmitriy Vasilyev of the football club "Zenit" share his sentiments, having been in a similar situation himself. He applauded MegaFon and its partners for creating large-scale projects for young children and expressed his confidence in the participants' future success in various fields. "Keep up the good work—the future truly depends on you!" he added.
Football matches in Sochi during the "Your Future Depends on You" tournament weren't just about competition; they fostered friendships and self-belief among the participating orphaned children. Moreover, the event extended beyond the pitch, with some participants exploring career opportunities in journalism and social media via innovative formats like managing the tournament's Telegram channel.
