“Football gives me everything in life. I train a lot myself and I try to go to every game of my favorite team, which is Dynamo Moscow. I would say 85% of my life revolves around football,” Sasha Gurtovenko added.

It has not been easy to get involved in the sport. Currently there is a lack of special equipment, such as balls that make a sound when they move so the players know where it is. There is also no special ground to train on either. This pitch is covered in pieces of broken plastic, so as to enhance the sound of the ball rolling.

In addition, there is no funding available for the team. Coach Nikolay does not get paid for what he does. He says it is a hobby – but a hobby which is more like a full time job.

“I have to be the coach and the manager of the team, but I am also the doctor, the psychologist, and really like a parent for these boys. But the main thing is to be patient and stay strong. Step by step you have to move forward, despite all the obstacles.”

The guys have already competed against teams from Italy, Germany and Brazil. And even though they have not won any trophies, they have already built up a small but loyal fanbase.

Vera Erusmanova, cheerleader, said, “We never leave the boys without our support. The girls and I come to all the games and cheer them on!”

For the players, the love of the game is everything. They may not be able to see the ball with their eyes, but they can feel it with their hearts.