The social project of the Ukrainian Football Association, supported by UEFA, "Open Football Lessons" visited a children's and youth football school of FC "YUKSA" in Fastivskyi district of Kyiv region. There was a festival attended by 72 children aged nine to thirteen years old.

Photo courtesy of the UAF

"This event took place on a wonderful football field, where coaches and teachers from the children's and youth sports school of FC "YUKSA", experts in physical culture and sports education center of the football club, as well as young leaders used various means of football activities to instill feelings of friendship and mutual assistance; developed valuable moral qualities such as sense of responsibility, respect for partners and opponents, discipline, and initiative. — said a local volunteer leader, Bohdan Balan. — Each participant demonstrated their personal qualities — independence, initiative, creativity."

Photo courtesy of the UAF

The event was also attended by employees of the explosive ordnance disposal service of the Main Department of the National Police in Kyiv region, who held a very useful instructive meeting with children. The highlight of "Open Football Lessons" were football games among children, which became a real celebration. All participants of "Open Football Lessons" were awarded prizes and they were happy to be part of the festival. It is important that the children expressed their desire to continue playing football in the future."

Photo courtesy of the UAF

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

• psychosocial support for children of ZSU servicemen, IDPs, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are independent of skill level, 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;
• volunteer development;
• activation of local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, security experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).

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