Photos: Football helps migrants in World Cup city St Petersburg feel at home

Formed in St Petersburg, one of the host cities for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018, FC Maxima is an amateur team comprised of migrant workers hailing from a nations ranging from Mali to Turkmenistan, with the game all that keeps them inspired. Donning team jerseys and stepping on to the field, the Maxima players are transported beyond the at times hostile environment in Russia which can at times bring racism and contempt. Football, if nothing else in their lives, brings hope and a sense of home in a foreign land.

Updated on: Jun 06, 2018 1:20 PM IST

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Players from FC Maxima attend a training session in St. Petersburg, Russia. Maxima, an amateur soccer team set up specially to help immigrants settle in the northern Russian city comprises players from Egypt, Cameroon, Armenia and was formed in 2007 in St Petersburg --one of 11 Russian cities hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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Players from FC Maxima in action during a championship match. The Saint Petersburg Stadium is hosting seven matches at Russia 2018, including knockout matches in the Round of 16, semi-final and the play-off for third place. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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Head coach for FC Maxima Bakhtiyar Yusupov greets a player during a match. The team’s Turkmen founder and coach, Yusupov said he set up the team to make players “feel at home, regardless of their social status... They are all equal on the pitch,” he said. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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The players rest during the half-time break. In Russia, migrant workers often carry out poorly paid menial work, and according to human rights groups are subjected to frequent document checks by police and suffer racist discrimination. Russian authorities deny mistreatment and say that document checks are required for national security. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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Rustam Mustafakulov, a labour migrant who plays for FC Maxima heads to work. Far from his native Uzbekistan, Mustafakulov has found a second home in St Petersburg, playing soccer with other immigrants from Mali to Turkmenistan. He said life in Russia has not always been easy, that some locals have made comments about his nationality and accused him of taking jobs that should go to Russians. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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Off the field, the 34-year-old Mustafakulov works as a window cleaner. He said that the regular sport and close camaraderie keep him going. “We have been playing together for so many years, we’ve all become friends,” said Mustafakulov who played professional football back home in Uzbekistan. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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Mohammed Hafez, another migrant who plays for FC Maxima seen at home in Sverdlov settlement outside St. Petersburg with his daughter Ailana and their dog. Hafez, who moved to Russia after meeting his wife Natalia at a beach resort in his native Egypt hopes to get talent-spotted by scouts, a dream shared by many Maxima players. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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FC Maxima's Mohammed Hafez fights for the ball during their championship match. The 27-year-old is hoping to emulate the rise to fame of Egyptian Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah. “This is my dream, to play, and I will not give up, God willing I will make this come true,” Hafez said. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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A player from FC Maxima takes a corner shot during their match. Come June 14, the FIFA World Cup is set to invade the hearts and minds of football fans all over the world once again. The quadrennial event is taking place in Russia this year and will run till July 15. A total of 64 fixtures will be played in the course of the tournament with hosts Russia opening proceedings. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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Players from FC Maxima celebrate a goal. Maxima has taken part in St Petersburg’s city championships, a competition for amateur soccer players, finishing fourth in 2017. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)

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Head coach Bakhtiyar Yusupov poses with players for a group photo after their St Petersburg city championship match. For these migrant players hailing from diverse backgrounds, the game unifies them in an unknown country and binds them together with a sense of brotherhood. (Anton Vaganov / REUTERS)