In Bushchyno, Tyachiv District of Zakarpattia, "Open Football Lessons" were held, organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football and the Zakarpattia Association of Football.

Photo ZAF

Local organizers noted that the main goal of the social project "Open Football Lessons" in Zakarpattia is to integrate children with disabilities into the community through football, provide psychological support for war-affected children, encourage communication and establish friendly relations, as well as learn mine safety rules with the help of representatives from the State Emergency Service. They added that Tyachiv region today is one of the best football regions in Zakarpattia, and it makes sense that "Open Football Lessons" were held in the Tyachiv district.

Photo ZAF

The project participants included 72 children from the Bushchyno Territorial Community (including those with disabilities and other war-affected children).

At the ceremonial opening, Ruslan Yanchiy, head of the Bushchyno Territorial Community, greeted the guests. Pupils of the Bushchyn Art School under the guidance of Andriani Markus performed the National Anthem of Ukraine. Then everyone on the stadium observed a moment of silence in memory of soldiers who died defending our country from the aggressor. With welcoming words to the children, teachers and volunteers addressed Viktor Nasaklov, executive director and deputy head of the Zakarpattia Association of Football, and Ivan Grabar, head of the Tyachiv District Football Association. Patriotic dance numbers were performed by members of the exemplary group "Flowers of the Carpathians" (leader - Olesya Kepich) and the dance studio "Fortuna" (leader - Olga Roman).

Photo ZAF

The lessons took place in six locations where children engaged in football exercises and games, competed in relays, communicated with a psychologist, and received new knowledge about mine safety from representatives of the State Emergency Service.

At the end, the children received sweet gifts from ZAF, stationery from Bushchyn Community, and t-shirts and diplomas from UAF, while teachers and volunteer coaches received sports equipment for schools.

Photo ZAF

Ruslan Yanchiy, Viktor Nasaklov and Ivan Grabar thanked the pupils, teachers and volunteers for their active participation in the football project. The organization was indeed at a high level. All participants applauded local volunteer leader Yelena Bukhalo for her excellent preparation of the festival.

Finally, all attendees enjoyed delicious Zakarpattian borscht.

Photo ZAF

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 disabilities, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among children with disabilities and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment, participants regardless of skill level, gender, as well as participation of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football - joy from the game instead of results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteering 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 approval of regional military administrations.