The Sumy region has joined the "Open Football Lessons" project organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football in collaboration with the Sumy Oblast Football Association.

Stepanivka, located in the Sumy district, opened its doors to children from Krasnopillya, Bezdrytsya, Hotsyn, Bilypyllya, Vorozhba, and Stepaniv villages of the Sumy region, which have been affected by the war.

Photo by AFSo

The football lessons were launched by Hennadiy Dem’yanenko, head of the Sumy District Council, Andriy Prokhorovich, head of the Sumy Oblast Football Association, Albert Molgamov, head of the Sumy District Football Association, representatives of village councils and education departments.

Photo by AFSo

“At this time, the philosophy of joy in mass play is extraordinarily important. Not just for children. This is an inclusive environment where the level of ability, age, gender or special educational needs of participants do not matter. The combination of friendship and healthy living habits. We also don't forget about safety during wartime conditions. For us adults, intersectoral communication is also important — teachers, coaches, psychologists, security experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities and sponsors»– commented on the event Hennadiy Dem’yanenko, head of the Sumy District Council.

Photo by AFSo

Psychologists and representatives of explosive ordnance disposal and canine units also helped football coaches and teachers conduct the lessons.

One of the beautiful and touching moments of the children's celebration was a birthday greeting to all participants, both adults and children, for 11-year-old Vladyslav V. from Krasnopillya.

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

• psychosocial support for children of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, IDPs, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• an inclusive environment where participants are independent of their level of ability, gender, as well as the inclusion of children with special educational needs;
• knowledge about safety in wartime conditions;
• the 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, security experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, sponsors and others).

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