A festival called "Open Football Lessons" took place at the Slavyansk Sports Complex in Slavyanska community of Dnipropetrovsk region, organized by the Ukrainian Football Association, the Dnipropetrovsk Region Football Association, and the Slavyanska Community.

72 children from Slavyanka, half of whom were IDP (internally displaced persons) children (both boys and girls), had the opportunity to play football games with a ball, participate in practical psychology sessions and presentations by representatives of the State Emergency Service, compete in relay races, as well as perform basic exercises with football balls.

Photo by AFD

The main goal of the event was to integrate IDP children into the community through football, communicate with a psychologist to relieve emotional stress from children who have moved to the community from regions where military operations are ongoing, and learn mine safety rules with the help of representatives of the State Emergency Service. In addition to IDP children, children of ZSU servicemen and all those in need of moral and psychological support were also involved in the project.

Photo by AFD

The festival was opened by the First Deputy Head of the City Council, Igor Shapovalov, the Deputy Head of the City Council, Olena Vergeychik, the Chief of Dniprovskaya District Military Administration, Yurii Andulskyi, and the regional coordinator of the project, Executive Director of the Dnipropetrovsk Region Football Association, Yaroslav Derevyanyko. They wished each festival participant pleasant moments and bright emotions, as well as anyone who enjoys playing to join free football training at the local children's and youth sports school.

Photo by AFD

After the festival, the children were treated to sweet biscuits and pizza, while throughout the event they were provided with drinking water. In addition, each participant received a T-shirt and a project diploma from UAF, and teachers and volunteer coaches - necessary sports equipment for further training.

Inspired by this event, organizers from Slavyanka plan to hold another festival in two weeks for children from neighboring settlements and give 72 more participants bright emotions and psychological relief.

Photo by AFD

The Ukrainian Football Association's "Open Fun Football Schools" project, supported by UEFA:

- provides psychosocial support to children of ZSU servicemen, IDP children, and war victims;

- unites and fosters friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;

- an inclusive environment where participants are involved regardless of their abilities, gender, as well as the participation of children with special educational needs;

- knowledge about safety in wartime conditions;

- 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 cross-sectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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