In Busykivtsi of Lviv Oblast, the project "Inclusive Football Sections" by the Ukrainian Association of Football and the Lviv Association of Football has been successfully implemented at the Inclusive Resource Center and the local Children's Sports School for over a year.

There are 40 children in two sections, including both boys and girls. They work with coaches Ivan Tomkiv and Oksana Shyshka, who have previously completed special training by the UAF.

Photo by LAF

"Before this, children from the Inclusive Resource Center were not particularly interested in sports. However, our coaches and volunteers managed to interest them in football and help them believe in themselves. They love football and can now be said to lead an active lifestyle: they participate in open inclusive football events, attend section classes, and eagerly await their next training sessions," says Ivan Tomkiv.

"Inclusive football sections, which include children with special educational needs, will continue in Busykivtsi. It is important for us to see certain successes and progress of our children, share their new achievements, happiness, and help them during difficult times. Moreover, the implementation of this project is an essential social component of the Lviv Association of Football's activities, as it involves children with special educational needs in sports training, while experienced coaches create comfortable conditions for them to fully and freely express themselves. Thanks to the Ukrainian Association of Football, sections are equipped with football uniforms for children, balls, and other necessary sporting equipment," notes the project coordinator from LAF Stepan Ponaia.

Photo by LAF

Stepan S. has missed no inclusive football section training sessions. "He really enjoyed playing with the football, but we couldn't send him to a regular Children's Sports School," his father explains. "So our family was very happy that he could attend these 'simplified' trainings. After a year of classes, Stepan started paying more attention to information and interesting news about football, following matches, and even developed favorite teams."

"The most enjoyable part for me during training is circling cones and scoring goals like Ronaldo," says Stepan. After the trainings, he spends time with another participant Matvii K. Over tea, they share their emotions about football, ask each other how things are going. This wasn't always the case. The year spent at the sessions showed them that they could become friends based on trust and kindness. Now they are in a constant team if there is a match during training.

Photo by LAF

"It's not easy for Stepan to master various movements or actions with the ball, but over such a long time he has understood that patience is necessary and after multiple repetitions, his goal was achieved," says the coach about the student. "After New Year, I promised him trial sessions in a regular football group at the Children's Sports School to further motivate him."

Vasilina S. became more confident and open with her emotions over the last half-year. Initially, Vasilinka often looked up to her mother who was nearby observing and had to be encouraged to participate in exercises or games. Now she confidently gives advice on how to act or shows initiative, circling players on the field with a ball and shooting at goals.

"There are many such small stories that can be told," concludes Ivan Tomkiv. "Through games and various exercises, children forget about their 'I can't' and don't pay attention to who is silent, slow in walking or running, or stutters and cannot repeat. All of them instinctively want to enjoy themselves and spend their time happily and actively as much as possible. And for this, we are here!"

Photo by LAF

Through the Mass Football Charter of UEFA, the Ukrainian Association of Football aims with this project to:

• improve the psychoemotional and physical state of children through their involvement in physical activities and socialization;
• change society's attitude towards people with disabilities;
• provide access to inclusive sports training;
• unleash children's potential;
• bring together children and adults, regardless of the specifics of their physical and mental development.

Inclusive football sections for children with special educational needs are now open in 21 communities across Ukraine. Thanks to UAF, sections are equipped with children's football uniforms, balls, and necessary sporting equipment.