Tekstilshchik and the Surge of Young Fans During Cup Campaigns
Igor Kolyvanov, the head coach of Tekstilshchik from Ivanovo, whose playing career included stints with Dynamo Moscow, Italian clubs Foggia and Bologna, and the Russian national team, spoke about the team’s experiences during recent matches against media clubs. He noted a notable shift in attendance and interest, highlighting the remarkable support for both Tekstilshchik and the media clubs 2Drots and Amkal. The coach recalled instances when the crowds swelled unusually, especially among younger supporters, a trend he described as significant for the atmosphere surrounding the Cup ties.
“It’s clear that a lot of fans showed up this year; both ours and 2Drots,” Kolyvanov remarked. “Even yesterday, there were many young people in the stands. They spend a lot of time online, following bloggers and online personalities. I don’t mind the attention, but these fans are genuinely engaged.”
Tekstilshchik has faced media clubs in the National Cup over the past two seasons, with both 2Drots and Amkal advancing to penalty shootouts after regular-time draws. The club sits in sixth place in the Silver subgroup of the Second Division, collecting seven points from six rounds as the season unfolds. Analysts note that the Cup encounters have become more than just football matches; they are events that blend sport with digital-audience culture, driving unique engagement patterns and broadening the sport’s reach among younger generations.
In other developments, former Russian commentator and TV presenter Dmitry Guberniev commented on the Control and Disciplinary Committee of the Russian Football Union’s decision regarding Artem Dzyuba. The striker for Moscow Lokomotiv received a fine of 50,000 rubles and a two-game conditional suspension following harsh remarks directed at a journalist. The ruling was discussed by pundits as part of a broader debate about accountability and professional conduct in Russian football, with Guberniev noting the emphasis on maintaining respectful discourse within the sport’s public sphere. [citation: RFU statement and public responses attributed to official records, August 2024; coverage by sports media outlets and analysts.]