Poltava region has launched the "Open Football Lessons" project in Mirgorod, bringing together children affected by the war through psycho-social football events. This initiative was organized for children by the Ukrainian Football Association, the Poltava Football Association, and the Mirgorod Community.

Photo courtesy of UAF

Under the leadership of the regional coordinator, Deputy Head of the Poltava Football Association Volodymyr Oleksenko and with the help of Director of Mirgorod's DYSHS Viktoria Makushenko, local volunteers brought participants from various educational institutions to the football field:

— Mirgorod Gymnasium No. 2 (teacher — Oleksandr Matviienko);

— Pytrivtsi Gymnasium (Mykola Sydorenko);

— Dibrivka Gymnasium (Zhanna Hrycovec');

— Zubiv School-Nursery Complex (Oleksandr Hryshko);

— Harkushin School (Vasyl Smyrnii);

— Velikosorochyn School (Vitaliy Krot).

It was important that the "Open Football Lessons" included components of psychological support and education on safe behavior in wartime conditions — minimizing risks from explosive hazards, mines, emergencies, etc.

Local schools received a large amount of sports equipment and balls for football events; volunteers were equipped, and each child who participated in the football celebration received a project t-shirt and a participant certificate as a gift.

Photo courtesy of UAF

All events of the project are held in regions with approval from regional military administrations.

The Ukrainian Football Association, supported by Common Goal and the Cross-Cultural Projects Association (Denmark), continues the "Open Football Lessons" project which includes:

— psycho-social support for children of war-affected areas, children of military personnel, and children affected by the war;

— uniting and friendship between children from war-affected areas and local children, social integration;

— an inclusive environment, regardless of ability level or gender, as well as participation of children with special educational needs;

— knowledge about safety in wartime conditions;

— the philosophy of mass football — joy from playing instead of results at any cost;

— fostering a healthy lifestyle;

— development of volunteering;

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

Photo courtesy of UAF