Miras Adambayev, 27, from Kostanay, co-founder of the Derby Football Academy for kids
On the starting point
I, Olga and Ilya Baygabulov came up with the idea to launch a football academy for kids in Kostanay in August, 2016. We wanted to start something new and had to rival with a Russian franchise. We were young, ambitious, so figured out all the things by working in certain directions. For example, Ilya is my classmate, groupmate and a debate teammate whom we traveled with all over Kazakhstan. He’s our front man engaged in external relations and arranging contracts with football clubs. His wife Olga is a marketing genius who deals with applications, makes up content and represents us in social networks. As for me, I deal with operational management in Kostanay. Being a manager at the regional court firstly, I finally turned into a school director, an accountant, a cashier and an administrator. All that I’ve learned in the civil service, at the debates and in KVN helps me a lot these days.
We’ve already opened five schools in five cities of Kazakhstan
On the purpose
There’re few locals playing in our Kostanay football club, therefore we do need some new ways of work. T.A. Baymuratov was really pleased with such an idea. Despite having an attached football school for kids, the club supported us too. We’re lucky to have professional footballers visiting our young sportsmen.
We launched our projects to let kids be ready for state football centers’ requirements. State sports schools are free of charge, so selection is really strict. Our Academy is open to everyone and has a system of a general education school implying kids to attend school in the afternoon and having extra classes in the evening.
On football coaching methodology
Sergey Ivanovich Maslenov is the best coach ever having the UEFA Pro license. I’ve been his big fan since childhood; I used to watch his team playing sitting at wooden benches at the stadium. I’m not sure if he believed in our project or not, but he definitely had an incredible desire to train children.
We apply Italian and Russian methodology while training children
Our coaching staff adapts it for kids and their age. These days we have a plenty of activities to be done in the next 8-9 months.
The main well-known rule of our academy is that a child must train with the ball.
On the difficulties and branches
It’s not a pursuit of money but incredible ambitions and a strong desire to develop football coaching all over Kazakhstan.
Post-Soviet cities face the lack of suitable gyms. Thanks to the efforts and numerous negotiations, the children in Kokshetau, Petropavlovsk, Karaganda, Semey and Kostanay train in better conditions now.
We’re highly optimistic about the thing we do, as negative thoughts cause unluckiness.
On plans
My partners are planning to open new football schools and expand borders
After all, we believe that our students will improve the quality of Kazakhstan national football.
As for me, I’m to open one more branch, yet I'm not leaving Derby.
