FIFPRO Fair Play Award Day 7: “We try to keep our minds calm”
| Russia win the FIFPRO Fair Play Award on Day 7 in Cardiff. Image: Mile44
The 17th edition of the Homeless World Cup has not only been host to a week of exceptional street soccer but also countless acts of kindness and camaraderie between players from over 50 countries.
Day 7 and the competition’s final FIFPRO Fair Play Award goes to team Russia. Coach Alexey Senchuk explains why they won the prestigious award that commends kindness on the pitch.
“We just lost against team Chile in what was an important match and we kept cool, showing respect for the winners immediately—shaking hands with the referee and team straight after and congratulating them on their game and win.”
Among a beaming team, Senchuk proudly explains how months of hard work have just been acknowledged through winning the Fair Play Award.
“We have worked hard to be here. We try to keep our minds calm, give respect to our rivals, that’s all. It is normal for us, it is our street soccer style, etiquette. We do it on and off the pitch, in training and in games. Always.”
Words: Deborah May
Images: Mile 44