In Chernyahiv, located in Zhytomyr Oblast, "Open Football Lessons" took place, aimed at providing psychosocial support to children affected by the war and organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football and the Zhytomyr Regional Association of Football.

The football festival was opened by Ruslan Pavlyuk, head of the Zhytomyr Regional Association of Football, Andriy Yushchenko, deputy mayor of Chernyahiv town council, Ruslan Mayevskyi, executive director of the association, Vasyl Babiy, leader of volunteers for the project in Zhytomyr Oblast, and Natalia Zaborchuk, head of the education, youth, and sports department at the town council.

Photo by JOAF

Students from schools in Chernyahiv participated in the project, learning basic elements of football during the festival.

In addition, experts from the Main Department of State Emergency Service in Zhytomyr Oblast informed schoolchildren about fire safety and mine safety rules.

Photo by JOAF

At the end of the sports festival, seven participating teams received sweets, footballs, and equipment for their educational institutions. Each child who participated in the football celebration was given a project t-shirt and a diploma as a gift.

Photo by JOAF

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 of Ukraine, children of internally displaced persons, and children affected by war;
• uniting and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are involved regardless of their abilities, gender, as well as the inclusion of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football - joy from playing rather than results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• fostering volunteerism;
• activating local communities through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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