Dmitry Chernyshenko and Rustam Minnikhanov open the Football Development Centre in Kazan

On August 28, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov together with the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Minister of Sport of Tatarstan Vladimir Leonov and President of the Board of Rubin Football Club Marat Safiullin took part in the opening of the Football Development Centre, which is located on Kopylov Street in Kazan.

Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized that this is a perfect gift to the people of Tatarstan for the Republic Day and City Day. "Kazan is the sports capital of our country. It has repeatedly confirmed this status by hosting sporting events of the highest level, and now it has received a new venue where our talents will be forged. But most importantly, you are making a huge contribution to achieving the goal set for us by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin – the share of people engaged in sports must reach 70% by 2030. Due to projects like this, Tatarstan is already showing a level of 67%. Continue, strive and win so that the words 'Rubin – champion!' are often heard here," Chernyshenko said.

In his turn, Minnikhanov thanked the Government of the country and the builders.

The Football Development Centre was built ahead of schedule. Young athletes from various regions of Russia and Tatarstan will train here; master classes and seminars for coaches will be held; and talents will be scouted for national teams.

The new facility contributes to the development of football in the republic. Today, more than 67,000 people in Tatarstan are engaged in this sport, of whom 5,500 are women. There are 44 stadiums, 34 indoor football arena and 652 football pitches operating in the region.

Dmitry Chernyshenko and Rustam Minnikhanov got acquainted with conditions created at the Centre. The total area of the facility exceeds 10,000 square metres and includes an indoor football arena, two outdoor training football pitches with artificial turf, a dormitory for athletes and a multi-purpose sports complex.

Inside the multi-purpose complex are a 20×20 metre training pitch, a swimming pool, a hammam, a cryosauna, a massage room, a conference hall, a media centre, coaches' offices and medical rooms, an analytical department, a gymnasium and accommodation rooms for athletes.

The construction was carried out in several stages. The first stage – the indoor football arena – was put into operation in June 2025. The second stage, comprising a dormitory with 76 beds and two outdoor football pitches, was opened in October 2025. The final, third stage – the multi-purpose sports complex – was put into operation now.

For the construction of the complex funds from the State Programme "Development of Physical Culture and Sports" and the budget of the Tatarstan were allocated.