During the meeting with the players, trainers and the heads of the Russian Football Union at a training centre near Sochi, Mr Putin noted that the junior national team’s victory in the European Championship illustrated how talent and hard work could bring good results, and served as an example for all Russian sportspeople.
The President also noted the developments problems facing children’s and junior football in the country, noting that most Russian football schools do not have their own playing fields and that there is a shortage of trainers and teachers.