An unusual children’s football tournament, the Friendship Cup, was held in the capital of Turkmenistan, bringing together professional football players and young sports fans on one field.

The event, organized by the Dostluk Yildizlar Children’s Football Club together with the Ahal Football Club and the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, attracted more than 150 young participants and their parents.

The Idea of the tournament, aimed at popularizing football and strengthening ties between generations, received broad public support. A special feature of the event was the participation of parents on an equal basis with children, which created a unique atmosphere of a family sports festival.

Director of FC Dostluk Yildizlar Rustem Esenov shared details of the tournament organization in an interview with Turkmenportal: “Our primary goal was to attract parents’ attention to their children through football. We started with the idea of parents’ participation, and then the media, football federation and sponsors joined us.”

Esenov also spoke about the activities of his club, which has existed for three years and works with children aged 5 to 12. “We strive not only to develop physical skills, but also to instill the philosophy of football and spiritual values,” he emphasized.

A special event of the tournament was the participation of professional football players, including players from the Turkmenistan national team. According to the organizers, this gave the children the opportunity to feel the level of professional football and be inspired for further development.

In conclusion, Esenov noted the success of the event and shared his plans for the future: “We would like to make such festivals regular, perhaps even with international participation. Our goal is for the people of Turkmenistan to feel the taste of football, its love and fame.”