In Kropyvnytskyi, inclusive football classes have been held at the city educational and rehabilitation center since last fall as part of a program by the Ukrainian Football Association (UFA).

The section includes about 20 children with special educational needs. Among them are both boys and girls. The children already know each other well, so the group is quite friendly.

Photo by UFA press service

The children are very interested in sports activities, especially those related to football. Even during air raid alerts, the time was not wasted; the children and their coach, Bohdan Horelenko, improved their theoretical knowledge while in shelter and gradually began to better understand the rules of the game and other football-related knowledge.

Photo by UFA press service

Thanks to the good conditions provided by the leadership of the sports center "Energo-Sport," the children comfortably practiced in a spacious hall and had everything they needed. Over time, their isolation decreased, and emotional activity improved; they became more open and displayed increasingly positive emotions. For example, young participant Valeria, who besides sports and physical culture also studies music, initially found it very difficult to accept defeats or her mistakes during the game, but over time she got used to the idea that everyone makes mistakes in life and there is no need to dwell on them. Today, she practices with pleasure.

Photo by UFA press service

In addition, after 40 classes, the physical fitness of all children improved. One participant in particular, Ivan, who could not perform jumping exercises before joining the inclusive football sessions, significantly improved his coordination skills and successfully completed this task thanks to his persistence and support from those around him.

Photo by UFA press service

Through this project within the UEFA Grassroots Football Charter, the Ukrainian Football Association aims to:

— improve the psychoemotional and physical state of children through their involvement in physical activities and socialization;

— change society's attitude towards people with disabilities;

— provide access to inclusive sports training;

— unlock children's potential;

— unite children and adults, regardless of physical or mental development.

Inclusive football sections, which are open to children with special educational needs, operate in 21 communities across Ukraine. Thanks to the UFA, these sections are equipped with football uniforms for children, balls, and necessary sports equipment.