Initiated by the Ukrainian Football Association, the Amateur Football Association of Ukraine, and the organization Spirit of Soccer, with the support of Viktor Kovalenko, head of the Kharkiv Oblast Football Association, the important social-sports project Spirit of Soccer Ukraine continues its implementation in Kharkiv region regarding awareness about the risks of explosive items among the population through sports.

Photo by Spirit of Soccer Ukraine

On January 5, in the city of Krasnograd, a fourth festival-training for young football players — boys and girls, students of the local DYSK sports department — took place. It was at this school that stars of Ukrainian football, Mykhailo Mudryk and Andriy Lunin, made their first steps in sport, and their first coaches, Mykhailo Merkulov and Ivan Maniko, continue to nurture new talents.

Photo by Spirit of Soccer Ukraine

Coordinator of the nationwide project Oleksandr Kadynko visited the festival and talked about the main tasks of such sports events, greeting everyone present with Christmas wishes. A district inspector from the State Emergency Service conducted an information session on safe behavior in wartime conditions, while coaches together with participants reinforced the information in a form understandable to children — through sports games and developmental exercises.

Photo by Spirit of Soccer Ukraine

The activities that took place within the event taught children to be attentive, focused, and to react appropriately to potential danger. Such social-sports projects allow for the development of sports and football in particular while raising awareness among the population and supporting young generations.