We have already lived through more than eight months of war, and despite all the hardships and Russian attempts to scare us, we find the strength to fight for our will, and in this case – we are trying to give positive emotions to our children.

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The "Open Football Lessons" project is being implemented by the Ukrainian Association of Football within a partnership project between the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the All-Ukrainian Foundation "Protection of Children's Rights". The components of the project include:

— psychosocial support for children of internally displaced persons (IDPs), children of Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen, as well as children affected by war;

— uniting and establishing friendly relations between IDP children and local children, social integration;

— an inclusive environment, participation of children regardless of their abilities or gender, as well as the inclusion of children with special educational needs;

— knowledge about safety in wartime;

— philosophy of mass football – joy from playing instead of any price for results;

— fostering a healthy lifestyle;

— development of volunteering;

— activation of local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, security experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, sponsors and others).

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On November 6, the event took place at the "Hutsulshchyna" stadium in Kosiv. As tradition dictates, we began with an official opening ceremony under the Ukrainian National Anthem. A moment of silence was held to honor all heroes of Ukraine who gave their most precious for our motherland's future.

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The event was attended by the head of Kosiv District State Administration – district military administration, Natalia Kuchma, the head of Kosiv District Football Federation Vasyl Yakymyshyn and coaches from the local children's youth school "Mountain Eaglet". Participants in the project were children from various schools in the Kosiv district, IDP children, war-affected children, and children of Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen.

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In conclusion, it turned out to be a bright sporting event. The teams were divided into sectors on the football field. All teams had the opportunity to take turns practicing in each sector under the guidance of volunteer instructors. Performing various special exercises transformed the event into a large-scale physical and sports activity, while the smiles of the children became the best reward for everyone who contributed to its organization.

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At the end, the children were given footballs. Each of them also received an exclusive t-shirt, cap, project diploma, drawing kits and tasted sweets with aromatic tea.

And we owe our greatest gratitude to our defenders for their bravery that allows us to hold such events!