Russian girls first ever to become ‘ball boys’ in opener

A football team from Agryz in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan will become the first-ever girls to be ball boys at an opening World Cup match at Russia 2018 this summer.

The team of youngsters participated in the World Cup trophy tour in Kazan yesterday, after winning a nationwide contest to become ball boys in the opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The competition was open to amateur players aged 13 to 16 and players of the Russian national team chose the winners. The results were announced earlier in the week.

The Cadets female team from the town of Agryza, Republic of Tatarstan, which takes part in the football throwing ceremony at the Mundial opening, at the presentation of the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy in Kazan.

Traditionally reserved for young boys who are on the books at professional football clubs, the role will now be carried out by the girls’ team at Russia versus Saudi Arabia on June 14 in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

“Everybody screamed. The emotions we experienced were unbelievable. It is probably the biggest dream for football players to attend the World Cup. We are speechless, absolutely speechless,” said Yulia Shustova, the team captain.

Kazan Arena, in the capital of Tatarstan, is one of 12 host venues for the Russia 2018 tournament, hosting six games in total, including world champions Germany in the Group F match against South Korea on June 27, as well as a quarterfinal.