From October 2021 to mid-January 2022, under the auspices of the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), for the first time in Ukraine, distance learning took place via the E-learning system for novice referees who will have the opportunity to try themselves out as referees in regional competitions involving teams composed exclusively of participants of ATO/OS.

It is noteworthy that all 25 course attendees recommended by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine are participants in combat operations.

UAF President and UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko has repeatedly emphasized that football will continue to fulfill social functions, including psychological rehabilitation for veterans, and always wishes health and victory to our glorious soldiers.

First Vice-President of the UAF Oleg Protsasov also confirmed these words by stressing that the leadership and entire staff of the association are ready, as in previous years, to continue supporting our veterans—participants of ATO/OS in various social initiatives.

Photo by UAF press service

Indeed, the UAF responded to a proposal from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs to train referees for football competitions among participants of ATO/OS. Oleh Protsasov from the association and Rita Davidenko from the ministry led this work. The head of the UAF Referees Committee Luciano Luca also positively received the proposed initiative and confirmed that the committee is always ready to support the training of referees in various competitions regarding technical and methodological support. Later, a working group was formed headed by Deputy Head of the UAF Referees Committee Serhiy Lisenchuk, so after gathering necessary information and preparing documentation, distance learning began.

A mobile platform was created through which almost daily training sessions were held with participants, including presentations, quizzes, surveys, feedback, theoretical and video materials in the form of "question-answer" according to the preparation program.

Participants also received necessary materials for training via personal email, and distance online testing was conducted. FIFA instructor and UAF Referees Committee lecturer Volodymyr Petryov acquainted participants with the methodology based on tests that FIFA referees undergo, while Denis Fedan provided IT support for these events.

Photo by UAF press service

Training leader Serhiy Lisenchuk added that this pilot project for training referees for football competitions among participants of ATO/OS is also a social project, and all staff members of the UAF Referees Committee did everything possible to ensure quality training for future referees.

The full leadership of the UAF has been actively communicating with defenders of Ukraine over the past year, as well as coaches and football players of national teams. For example, most wounded participants in combat operations undergoing treatment at the Main Military Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine had an opportunity to meet and take photos with football stars and receive memorable gifts from UAF during various events.

Finally, organizers concluded distance learning course results and hope that this new and extremely important for participants of ATO/OS joint project and quality cooperation in this direction between the association and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs will continue further.