On this day in 1968 the plan was created to create a special football school in the city of Leningrad, now St. Petersburg.

The first director of the Smena (Change) School was Dmitry Besov, who at that time was in charge of children's football with the city's football federation. Today he was the first to receive congratulations on the 52nd anniversary of the Gazprom Academy.

Dmitry Besov told us: "Thank you very much for your congratulations, it's very nice that on this day we are still remembered. It's also nice that the work of hundreds of people from the Smena school, who worked really hard for the future of Leningrad football was not in vain. On this day I want to wish all the young players all the best and ask them to work hard for their dream and not to give up. I am sure that our academy will always support you and help you. Happy 52nd Anniversary!"