Ilsur Metshin visited the urban stage the final of the tournament "Leather Ball"

(Kazan City KZN.RU, June 1, Anton Nozdrin). The final game of the city stage of the tournament "Leather Ball" was held today at the Central Stadium in Kazan. The Mayor of Kazan, the president of football club "Rubin" Ilsur Metshin watched the playoff of teams of the oldest age category (2001-2002 birth year) between "Motor" (Aviastroitelny district) and "Savinovo" (Novo-Savinovsky district).

The match was held in equal fight. Teams carried out attacks actively, but could not get the ball into the opponent's goal. Main time of the match ended in a goalless draw, but in the second half players of "Savinovo" struck 11-meter free-kick. But goalkeeper of "Motor" was able to hit the ball. In the penalty shoot-out players of Aviastroitelny district had a good luck and won the tournament. Awards to the winners  were presented by Ilsur Metshin.

Mayor of Kazan thanked the players for the game and reminded that the "Leather Ball" has a rich history. The Mayor said that the tournament was attended by the stars of the Soviet and Russian football, who defended the honor of the country later. "Today there is the first and the second place, but there are no losers. We all love football, we all live with football. This team sport tempers the best qualities of character", - I. Metshin said.

President of Kazan football club also expressed his gratitude to the coaches of young pupils. "Rubin" team, the main team of our republic, is waiting for its new wards. As president of the football club I dream that more "home-grown" players were in our club - those who now play in the "Leather Ball". I congratulate you and wish you success on the football field,"- the head of the city said.

Also during the course of the final battle the first deputy head of the Executive Committee of Kazan Damir Fattakhov, chairman of the Committee of Physical Culture and Sports Svetlana Vostrikova, heads of administrations of Kazan districts, General Director of FC "Rubin" Ilgiz Fakhriev were watching.

Recall the games of regional stage of the tournament took place in Kazan since May 11th. Matches were held at the modern stadiums of Kazan: "Manpower reserves", "Tasma", "Basco", "Rocket". Competitions are held among the teams, divided into three age groups: born in 2005-2006, 2003-2004, 2001-2002.

This year 3,180 young players from 159 teams participated in regional competitions. The teams that took 1st place in the regional competitions (1-2 places in the Soviet area) in each age group received the right to take part in the final tournament of the city, which was held at the Central stadium, "Tasma", "Manpower reserves", "Rocket".

Summary

All-Russian tournament "Leather Ball" is children's and youth football tournament in Russia. The first tournament was held on the initiative of the legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin in 1964 and was carried out in only one age group. At present these competitions are held in three age groups and are the most widespread competition for football in the Russian Federation. Since 2010, one age group among girls has been added to the event.