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Children’s sports to defeat pandemic: 2020 Football for Friendship Forum presents most successful projects to support children’s football

Over 25 successful projects to adapt children’s football to the 2020 pandemic were presented during the Eighth International Forum, which was held on November 30 – December 3 as part of the Gazprom International Children’s Social Programme Football for Friendship.
The International Football for Friendship Forum was held for the 8th year in a row, for the first time in the online format. The Forum is a unique platform for exchanging views on the development of children’s football in various countries around the world. At the Forum, coaches, athletes, public figures, and heads of sports organisations identify the best practices for supporting children’s sports and discuss the most effective ways to promote the key values of Football for Friendship in the world. The best practices are published with open access and become the basis for the free courses of the Football for Friendship Coaches Academy.
“Football is a social game that teaches important values. These include respect, honesty, fairness and devotion to a set task”, pointed out Frank Ludolph, UEFA Head of Football Education Services, Head of the Expert Council of the 2020 International Football for Friendship Award. “The idea behind Football for Friendship is to promote innovation in online learning, emphasize the social role of football and promote local community building to inspire more children around the world”.
In 2020, projects include successful application of organising online classes using video communication services, messengers, and social media. The SLSFA Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and the Sri Lanka Ministry of Education presented an online concept of competitions and contests for children of all age groups. The Brazilian Football Confederation launched several social projects, including those aimed at training goalkeepers, providing social services, and supporting a highly active lifestyle during the pandemic-related period of self-isolation. In total, over 100 football academies and federations submitted applications to participate in the Football for Friendship Forum. Projects were presented in the following nominations:
- Changing the World: Educational Activities
- Stadium Is Where I Am: Improving Football Skills
- Earth is a Ball: Providing Football to Everyone
- Driving the Planet: Building Football Community
All the projects were evaluated by the International Expert Council, which included world experts in the field of football education: Frank Ludolph, Germany, UEFA Head of Football Education Services, Head of the Expert Council of the 2020 International Football for Friendship Award; Pablo Cesar Torres, Uruguay, President of Youth Football and Scouting at Club Atlético Peñarol, Mike Puig, Spain, CEO of the Soccer Barcelona Youth Academy; and three Football for Friendship Young Ambassadors: Ananya Kamboj, India, Mohammad Yusuf Moazzam, Pakistan, and Sheqayli Ascencion, Aruba.
For the first time in the history of the world football movement, children assessed “adult” projects on equal terms.
“All the projects followed the values of Football for Friendship. And each of them has benefited children in uncertain conditions due to the coronavirus pandemic”, noted 15-year-old football player Yusuf Moazzam, a member of the jury, Young Ambassador from Pakistan. “Judging several projects at the international level was amazing, I really enjoyed it!”
All the projects presented at the International Football for Friendship Forum are open to the public on the programme’s official website https://footballforfriendship.com/experts-forum/. Those who initiated the projects hope that the best practices will be replicated in different countries, benefiting as many children around the world as possible.
On December 9, during the live broadcast of the 2020 Football for Friendship Season final, the best projects in the four nominations will be announced and given the Football for Friendship Award.
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Ivan Montik Founder of SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS and Rubens Barrichello Extend Strategic Collaboration in Latin America

SOFTSWISS, a global technology company and leader in iGaming software solutions, announces the extension of its strategic collaboration with legendary Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello, who will continue in his role as Non-Executive Director in Latin America.
This renewed agreement builds on a successful first year of collaboration, which has become a cornerstone of SOFTSWISS’ positioning across Latin America and beyond based on shared values of partnership and cultural connection.
Since April 2024, Barrichello has served as an authentic voice for SOFTSWISS at key industry and business events, both across Latin America and internationally. His role has gone far beyond traditional brand endorsement, encompassing leadership visibility, market engagement, and relationship-building with clients and communities.
Over the past year, Barrichello has played a pivotal role in reinforcing SOFTSWISS’ growth, hosting high-level partner engagements that combine cultural relevance with exclusive experiences. His voice was also central to the company’s response to the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Through the Help Brazil initiative, Barrichello assisted in amplifying calls for support and raising awareness around the urgent need for action. What began as an emergency relief effort evolved into a commitment to clean water access – a deeply personal initiative for him and SOFTSWISS, grounded in empathy and solidarity with affected communities.
In addition, Barrichello participated as a speaker at the SOFTSWISS Excellence Talks series, where he shared his unique expertise with the company’s global team.
“Rubens brings an unmatched level of authenticity, integrity, and passion to everything he does,” says Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS. “Over time, he has become a true friend. His presence within our team has helped us connect with Latin American partners, clients, and audiences on a deeper level – not only as a brand but as a long-term, responsible partner in the region.”
“I’m proud to continue this journey with SOFTSWISS,” says Rubens Barrichello. “Our first year together has shown how shared values can translate into meaningful impact – for business, regional markets and local communities. I look forward to helping take this partnership even further.”
As part of the renewed collaboration, Barrichello will continue supporting SOFTSWISS in strategic market growth, high-level representation, and cultural localization. His most recent appearance was a keynote speech during the opening day of SiGMA Americas 2025 in São Paulo – one of the most important iGaming events in the region.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS and Rubens Barrichello Extend Strategic Collaboration in Latin America appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Cinco de Mayo party
Plaza Hotel & Casino to host downtown’s largest Cinco de Mayo party

The Plaza Hotel & Casino will again host downtown Las Vegas’ biggest party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo starting at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 5, in and around its iconic Carousel Bar.
The Plaza’s Cinco de Mayo party is free to attend and will feature a variety of entertainment, including a Mariachi band, Folklorico dancers, and a DJ spinning top radio hits with a mix of Latin music, all under the bright lights of the property’s iconic Main Street dome. The high-energy fiesta will also feature downtown’s largest piñata.
Guests will be able to commemorate their fun by taking selfies inside the Plaza’s photo house that will include various festive props.
Fresh churros will be available for purchase from Churros 101 as well as street tacos and Mexican street corn salad (Esquites) from Fresh Mexican Grill.
Carousel Bar will offer drink specials all night long: Dos Equis on draft (a pint for $11 or 32 oz. for $14), the Kickin’ Caballo (Teremana Tequila, lime, chili agave, and ginger beer for $16), and a beer and shot feature with Dos Equis and Teremana Blanco Tequilla for $16.
Next to Carousel Bar, Pinkbox Doughnuts will feature fun and delicious Cinco de Mayo-themed doughnuts.
The post Plaza Hotel & Casino to host downtown’s largest Cinco de Mayo party appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Industry Awards
Amusnet Named Content Provider of the Year at the Italian Gaming Awards 2025

Amusnet has announced that it has been awarded Content Provider of the Year at the prestigious Italian Gaming Awards. The ceremony took place on April 9 as part of the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE) at the Salone delle Fontane in Rome. This recognition highlights Amusnet’s commitment to delivering top-tier gaming content and maintaining excellence in one of Europe’s most dynamic and competitive markets.
The Italian Gaming Awards celebrate the best in the industry, honouring companies that are shaping the future of gaming in Italy through outstanding products, practices and performance. With over 110 nominees across 21 categories, this year’s event brought together leading operators, suppliers, regulators and public representatives to recognise achievement and leadership across the sector.
“It’s a great honor to be named Content Provider of the Year. This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our incredible Amusnet Italy team. We remain committed to further strengthening our position in the Italian market by delivering engaging content that enhances the player experience and expanding our strategic partnerships,” said Polina Nedyalkova, Director at Amusnet Italy.
The post Amusnet Named Content Provider of the Year at the Italian Gaming Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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