The "Open Football Lessons" project of the Ukrainian Football Association and Vinnytsia Oblast Football Association has started in Pogrebishche, Vinnytsia region to help children affected by the war.

Before the event began, all present observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of fallen heroes of Ukraine, as well as children and civilians. Under the performance of the National Anthem, representatives of the teams Roman Vakolyuk and Veronika Zhiluk raised the national flag.

Photo by VOAF

Children were greeted by Viktor Demidenko, head of the physical culture and sports sector at Pogrebishche City Council Social Services Administration, Oleksandr Sydoruk, regional coordinator for the project from Vinnytsia OAF, and Serhiy Poberezhets, chairman of the Pogrebishche Football Association. They wished participants bright emotions and noted: "The project not only engages future players but also future coaches, volunteers, fans, all those who will want to get involved in football thanks to such festivals and come to the stadium." The event was also attended by city council member Anatoliy Bilik and director of Pogrebishche DSHS Volodymyr Prokopenko.

Photo by VOAF

The festival began with a flash mob prepared by girls from Pogrebishche Lyceum No. 1. Then, the leader of volunteers Kostyantyn Lisovy introduced everyone to the event's schedule. Coaches organized various fun football games, competitions, and contests for children. The football field was divided into seven sectors, each with a volunteer coach who shared secrets of football, exercises that help develop accuracy, speed, and endurance with the kids. Children, grouped into teams, moved from sector to sector where they were offered different tasks or invited to play.

Photo by VOAF

Not only teachers and coaches, but also police representatives looked after the children. Local police station staff conducted preventive talks with participants about the work of law enforcement officers and gave them a chance to sit in a police car, try on bulletproof vests, use sirens, and activate flashing lights. Medical workers introduced first aid techniques for children. Rescue workers demonstrated their equipment and explained how it is used in emergencies.

Photo by VOAF

Children gladly participated in contests, games, and various exercises led by their mentors.

After the festival's conclusion, a ceremony of awards took place. Each child received a souvenir t-shirt and a diploma from the project, while teachers and coaches were given necessary sports equipment for future activities.

All organizers are confident that time spent on the sports field was not wasted, and many children will decide to choose an active and healthy lifestyle and join the friendly football family.

Photo by VOAF

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

• psychosocial support for children of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children with local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are independent of their abilities, gender, as well as inclusion 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;
• volunteer development;
• local community activation through cross-sector 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.