The "Open Football Lessons" took place at the city stadium in Znamianka, organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF), Kirovohrad Regional Football Association, and Znamianka Community.

72 children from the Znamianka territorial community had the opportunity to play football games with a ball, participate in activities with a paramedic and an emergency services representative, compete in relay races, and perform basic exercises with football balls. The participants included boys and girls (including those with special educational needs and other war-affected children) — students from educational institutions in Znamianka.

Photos courtesy of UAF

The classes were conducted by the best community coaches — Serhiy Hrynkivych, Andrii Mykytchenko, Oleksandr Pastilnyak, psychologist Iryna Mykytchenko, paramedic Olha Kuzyna, and DSN representative Yurii Shmal'ko. Additionally, a representative of the "Active Parks of Znamianka Territorial Community" project — Oleksandr Bulykh — joined one of the locations.

The main goal of the event was to integrate children with special educational needs into the community through football, provide psychological support for war-affected children, foster communication and friendly relationships, as well as learn mine safety rules from DSN representatives.

Photos courtesy of UAF

The festival was opened by the head of the youth and sports sector, Ruslana Ladozhynska; Kirovohrad Regional Department of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science Director Oleksandr Shevchenko; Head of Youth and Sports Management of Kirovohrad Military Administration Andriy Shchetina; President of the Kirovohrad Football Association Viktor Bezsmertnyi; and President of Znamianka Football Association Oleksandr Zamurenko. They wished each participant pleasant moments and bright emotions, and those who enjoy playing — to join free football training at a children's and youth sports school. Each participant received a t-shirt and a diploma from the UAF project, while teachers and volunteer coaches were given sports equipment necessary for further classes.

Photos courtesy of UAF

The Ukrainian Association of Football's "Open Football Lessons" project (Open Fun Football Schools) supported by UEFA is:

• psychosocial support for children of the Armed Forces, children with special educational needs, and war-affected children;
• uniting and friendship among children with special educational needs and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment — participants regardless of ability level or gender, as well as participation of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football — joy from playing instead of results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• fostering volunteerism;
• activating local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).

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