Zenit's Gazprom Academy was founded in 1968 and was originally known as Smena, it was created by Dmitry Nikolayevich Besov and worked under the management of the Central Youth Sports School. Besov was also the academy's first director and remained at the school for more than 37 years. 

In 2009, the school officially came under the management of Zenit and became the foundation of Zenit's Gazprom Academy. 

The club celebrated the anniversary at the walls of the Peter and Paul Fortress as part of the city's birthday celebrations this weekend with the support of Rossiya Airlines.  Vyacheslav Malafeev, one of the academy's greatest graduates was also there to celebrate the event. 

"I want to congratulate our beloved St. Petersburg on the city's 315th birthday. Of course, we live in the most beautiful city in the world and so its nice to know that Zenit is also an integral part of the city. Our club's academy is also celebrating today, 50 years ago the legendary Dmitry Nikolayevich Besov created our football school. Dmitry made a huge contribution to the development of our football. All schools are judged by its graduates, and we have created champions of the USSR from 1984, multiple champions of Russia and Russian Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup winners. I would like to wish the Gazprom Academy more success and as many new talents as possible, all for the benefit of Zenit, St. Petersburg and Russia." Said Malfeev.

Academy founder and the school's first director, Dmitry Besov, who this year turned 94 years old was also in attendance. Mr Besov received a standing ovation from those in attendance as he spoke and recalled the history of the club's academy.