Aussie kids return from Russia after 'experience of a lifetime'

Promising 12-year-old footballers from around the world, including Australia, have returned from Russia after participating in a Football For Friendship programme - labelled "an experience of a lifetime" - as part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup festivities.

In the lead up to the World Cup, the sixth Football For Friendship programme was attended by 1,500 children and was covered by over 300 international media outlets to "spread the values embodied by the beautiful game to the world."

The programme included training for young players, classes for young aspiring journalists and a tournament that saw teams made up of players from around the world. 

The participants were also able to attend the opening match of the World Cup between Russia and Saudi Arabia. 

Luca Durso, 12, was one of the young Australians involved. 

“It was an experience of a lifetime and I made a lot of friends. I became really good friends with Joseph, a boy from Gabon who was our young coach,” Durso said.

“I never thought I’d be in the opening ceremony in Russia and get to see all of the teams that I’ve always wanted to see."

Young journalist Noah Borg, 12, shared Durso's sentiments.

"The Football for Friendship program was a lifetime experience for me and I was able to unite with people from 211 countries, made many new friends and learnt about their culture and background,” Borg said.