The FIFA World Cup is putting many fans in Airdrie and beyond on the edge of their seats as the tournament continues in Russia. 

Many kids with the Airdrie and District Soccer Association are thrilled to keep up with this year’s event.

“We chat about it, about the goals and who’s doing what right now with the results and stuff like that,” said Technical Director Michal Misiewicz. “I’d say I’m getting the kids to at least chat about it more then they would in any time of the year. That’s good to hear that they’re watching it.”

When it comes to favourites, you might see kids cheering for powerhouses like Brazil, France or Germany but Misiewicz said all the kids have a different team.

“Everyone’s got a background, from different countries it’s multicultural here. Everyone’s just cheering for somebody else.”

The excitement for the World Cup is not only being felt right now but in eight years time as Canada prepares to host the event in 2026.

Misiewicz said that Canada hosting the big event will mean great things for the development of the sport.

“From my perspective, excitement is pushing Canada in the right direction of the infrastructure in Canada. Hopefully, things start moving in the right direction in the sense of the development of our players even more so, to really make sure that we have a strong team in eight years time.”

Canada, the United States and Mexico won the bid to host the World Cup last week, beating Morroco in the final vote.

Although the big event is still nearly a decade down the road, Misiewicz said that local kids can start dreaming now.

“You’ve got 10-year-old, 12-year-old boys that should be dreaming of this right now. There’s a chance as an 18, 20-year-old, 22-year old that you can try to make that team. Hopefully, it kind of lights a fire in everyone and really gets them going.”

The current World Cup in Russia continues until the final game on July 15th.

 

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