New Joys Of Family Area

The Family Area is becoming a great attraction for young supporters.

Every kid knows now that they can watch football live, and go jump on a trampoline or play board games in half-time. Or eat pop-corn, or sweets, or score a goal or two against Rail, the club mascot.

Recently we started a new tradition: from now on, we will congratulate the young Railwaymen who celebrate their birthday. It's a classic scenario: a piece of cake with a candle, and some souvenirs. And it's not necessary that your child has their birthday on this particular day: it just has to be this month.

The kids have already started receiving presents! 'Nash Loko' magazine talked to Ilya Fokin, who dreamed of celebrating his 9th birthday at the stadium. His mom Darya also joined us.

Darya: When I first took him to the stadium he was two years old. Despite his young age he's done a lot: he has played at the Lokomotiv School, and visited dozens of home games. He's now learning football in another club but he's dreaming of wearing a Lokomotiv kit one day.

Ilya: I have been supporting Lokomotiv for a very long time. I always ask mom to take me to the stadium to see home games. I want to become a goalkeeper, like Ilya Abaev. Celebrating a birthday at the stadium was my dream, so I'm happy now. Not only was I given presents, but everyone who has come to the Family Area congratulated me and applauded. I'm looking forward to Monday to tell my schoolmates about it!

Darya: Ilya Abaev even gave us his gloves once! The son was crazy! Abaev is both a player of his favourite team, and his icon! He's an exemplary goalkeeper and person for my son. Ilya knows everything about the club: its history, the players, their playing numbers and positions, he's nuts about football!

When Ilya and other kids were given a cake the anchor reminded them to make a wish. Ilya was ready, he definitely knew what he wanted. He was shy at first, fearing he would scare his luck, but then whispered: 'I want to be like Ilya Abaev!'