The Ukrainian Football Association and the Ternopil Football Association are implementing a powerful assistance project for children — "Open Fun Football Schools" — with support from UEFA.

The event, which took place at the stadium in Kotiv village of Sarnyky community in Ternopil region, aimed to provide psychological and social support to children in wartime conditions through football, help internally displaced children adapt and integrate with local peers.

Photo by AFT

At the ceremonial opening of the event, present were First Deputy Head and Executive Director of the Ternopil Football Association Vasyl Zatorskyi, Head of Sarnyky Community Volodymyr Petryshyn, Chairman of the Children's and Youth Football Committee of the Ternopil Football Association Volodymyr Yasuchenya, coordinator of "Open Fun Football Schools" from Sarnyky community Roman Mishanchuk, and Elder of Kotiv village Volodymyr Bilyk.

Photo by AFT

The ceremony to open the sports event began with the Ukrainian National Anthem. A moment of silence was observed in memory of all heroes who gave their lives for our future.

With welcoming words to the participants, the community head Volodymyr Petryshyn wished everyone positive emotions and peaceful skies. Vasyl Zatorskyi greeted all present on behalf of the Association's Chairman Taras Yurik and emphasized that Berezhany region had given many famous figures to national and regional football in the past, and today’s generation should continue these traditions, including participants of "Open Fun Football Schools."

Photo by AFT

The main conductor of the sports event was Volodymyr Yasuchenya, who coordinated it.

The project involved students from general education schools in Sarnyky community. Over 70 children participated. On sports and entertainment stations with them worked physical education teachers and a practical psychologist. They conducted various physical exercises. At the safety station, a military training teacher from one of the community's general education schools taught young participants how to protect themselves from danger.

All equipment provided by the Ukrainian Football Association for use during "Open Fun Football Schools" was distributed among educational institutions participating in this event.

— These wonderful balls, ropes, barriers, rings, portable goals and much more will strengthen the material base for football development and healthy living in Sarnyky community, — noted the head of education department of the community Yaroslav Horokhivskyi.

All participants of "Open Fun Football Schools" were awarded diplomas from the Ukrainian Football Association; also, children received football shirts they wore during the event as a memento.

Photo by AFT

The joy in the eyes of children testified that the sports festival was successful. Thank you to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunity to hold "Open Fun Football Schools"! And a big thank you to everyone who helped organize them, especially teachers from Sarnyky TG schools. Everything will be Ukraine!

The Ukrainian Football Association's project "Open Fun Football Schools" (with support from UEFA) is:

• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, internally displaced persons' children, and those affected by the war;
• unity and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment, participation regardless of ability level or gender, as well as inclusion of children with special educational needs;
• knowledge about safety in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football — joy from playing instead of any price for results;
• cultivation of a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteer development;
• activation of local communities through intersectoral 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.