The Zenit president welcomed the participants, wished them good luck and success in the tournament. 

"I am glad to be here at the tournament with you. Without sport like this it is impossible to imagine the higher achievements that follow and student sport is the foundation for professionals. Throughout the world, student sport is one of the most important directions of the state's activity and I am glad that in Russia more and more attention is being paid to sport and the lifestyle that goes with it among the students of our universities. Football is passion, love and intelligence. I am sure that we will see these qualities in all the participants of the tournament. Good luck to you and good luck to all teams!" - Sergey Fursenko .

16 teams from different cities across Russia are taking part in the tournament and the final of the National Student Football League will be in May in Smolensk.