Unfortunately, in Ukraine, it is difficult for many children with disabilities and special educational needs to access sports. There is a significant shortage of qualified professionals and inclusive equipment in regions. Such children constantly face stigmatization and discrimination, and it is very painful for us that this also happens in sports.

Through the "Inclusive Football Sections" project, the UAF aims to change societal attitudes and help children realize their potential through the opportunity to engage in sports.

By offering inclusive football activities and football festivals, we provide opportunities for thousands of children with disabilities and special educational needs to unlock their potential and improve their psychological and physical well-being.

Photo by the press service of UAF

The project uses the possibilities of mass football as a powerful tool to introduce inclusive education in an innovative game format, organize football festivals, integrate children with disabilities and special educational needs into teams, train volunteers for further implementation of regular activities with these children, create a volunteer network through cross-sectoral teams in partnership with relevant ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, and also organize inclusive football sections and support their further stable development in communities.

Photo by the press service of UAF

Main goals of the project:

— improve the psychological and physical well-being of children with disabilities and special educational needs through their involvement in the physical activities of the project and socialization;

— change Ukrainian society's attitude towards people with disabilities and children with special educational needs;

— provide access to inclusive sports activities;

— unlock the potential of children;

— unite children and adults, regardless of physical or mental development characteristics;

— motivate all children in mass football, regardless of abilities, gender, social issues;

— activate local communities through cross-sectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

Photo by the press service of UAF

The main expected results of the project in 2024 are:

— creation of at least 17 stable cross-sectoral networks for implementing project goals;

— organization of regular inclusive football sections involving children with disabilities and special educational needs in at least 17 regions (17 sections on a regular basis, involving local resources and budgets for sustainable development);

— engagement of approximately 300 children in the sections, improving their physical and mental well-being through activities;

— ensuring participation of section participants - children in football festivals for all community children.

Thanks to UAF, the sections are provided with children's football gear, balls, and necessary sports equipment.

We remind you that last year, coaches underwent training at a seminar by UAF in Ivano-Frankivsk, and before the previous start, they participated in a joint webinar of UAF and regional associations of football.