Young Kazakh footballers lead stadium cleanup in eco-friendly campaign
A group of young footballers from Astana took part in a national environmental campaign during Kazakhstan's recent friendly match. The players, aged between 8 and 18, represented the Specialized Children and Youth Sports School of Olympic Reserve No. 8. Their involvement included both cheering on the team and leading a stadium cleanup after the game. The match between Kazakhstan and Comoros took place at Astana Arena. Before kick-off, the young athletes unfurled a banner supporting the Clean Kazakhstan initiative. This programme encourages fans and players to keep stadiums and public spaces free of litter.
After the final whistle, the pupils collected rubbish from the stands. Their actions were part of the school's ongoing commitment to citizenship and responsibility. The institution, which specialises in football and futsal, trains around 1,000 children under 32 coaches. All training, equipment, and travel are provided free of charge, though admission is selective. Erkebulan Aldabergenov, the school's head, highlighted the value of such initiatives in teaching young athletes about environmental stewardship. The *Clean Kazakhstan* campaign has since expanded, with eight more regions—including Almaty, Shymkent, and Karaganda—adopting similar efforts at national team matches by April 2026.
The school's participation in Clean Kazakhstan reflects its broader mission to develop both athletic skill and social awareness. Fans at the match also joined the cleanup, reinforcing the campaign's growing influence. The initiative now operates in multiple cities, embedding environmental action into football culture nationwide.
