Imran, Lauren represent nation in Football for Friendship Programme in Russia
KUCHING: Malaysia is sending 16 year old Imran Zakaria and 12 year old Lauren Hoh Ruyi as young ambassadors to Russia today to participate in the 6th Gazprom Football for Friendship International Programme.
They will be joined by kids from over 210 countries around the world, in Moscow.
Imran, selected in the role of a young coach will be a part of the 32 International Teams of Friendship and he will train the “Grevy’s Zebra” team who will play in the Gazprom Football for Friendship International Championship.
The young footballers and young coaches will also participate in workshops and sessions, conducted by renowned celebrities.
Hailing from Subang Jaya, Imran started playing football at the age of 4.
A passionate footballer, Imran has been named the Most Valuable Player in numerous footbal l tournaments across the country. He has also played in the U- 8, U10 and U-12 team of the Subang Jaya Community Youth Football League.
Imran wants his experience in Russia to inspire kids in Malaysia and pave the way for future young coaches from the country
He currently plays for First 11 FC, and dreams to play for a professional football club in the future, like his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Apart from football, Imran likes to play video games, watch movies and travel.
At the F4F Programme in Russia, Imran will be accompanied by Lauren Hoh, who will act as a young journalist and cover all the local and global activities of the programme as part of the International Children’s Press Centre.
The Press Centre acts as hub for the young journalists who gather information, make reports, write news articles and prepare materials on the initiatives implemented as part of the Programme.
Lauren is a sports enthusiast who hails from Kuala Lampur started playing football at the age of 8 and is the only girl in her local football team.
Apart from football, Lauren also enjoys playing tennis and badminton. A Manchester City fan, she considers Kevin De Bruyne as her favourite footballer.
Imran and Lauren will also participate in the Sixth Football for Friendship International Children’s Forum in Russia, which will provide the youngsters an opportunity to meet their peers from other countries, share their experiences, and discuss with famous footballers and journalists on how to promote key values of the F4F Programme around the world.
The International Children’s F4F Forum will be participated by famous sportsmen, journalists, and public figures who support the project and provide their thoughts and inspiration to the young athletes.
The young ambassadors will also participate in the Nine Values School programme, where they will be taught about the 9 key values of the F4F programme( friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions and honour, under the guidance of young coaches and the supervision of famous players.