Sports activities in Kalush have become accessible for children with disabilities and special educational needs thanks to the project "Inclusive Football Sections" by the Ukrainian Football Association, supported by the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association and the Lyceum No. 3 directorate.

The section includes 20 children. The team is coached by Yuriy Bogdan, a physical education teacher at the lyceum who underwent special training for this project.

Photo IFOAF

"During these sessions, children train together, learn basic game techniques, and work as a team," Yuriy Bogdan explains. "Of course, the approach to each child is unique. However, we can say that we are working at the level of a regular group. Some boys who had no experience playing football now do not lag behind other players in the team.

Photo IFOAF

I try to motivate them and bring them together. After completing this cycle of classes, I promised to treat them to pizza. The boys want communication and friendship. This motivates them and gives them confidence in their abilities.

Our group will also participate in a football festival in the region that will take place this spring in Rogatin."

Photo IFOAF

The young football players and their coach expressed sincere gratitude to the Ukrainian Football Association, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association, and local authorities for creating and supporting this important project.

Main goals of the UAF project:

— improve the psycho-emotional and physical state of children with disabilities and special educational needs through their involvement in sports activities and socialization;

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

— provide access to inclusive sports training;

— unlock the potential of children;

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

— provide motivation for mass football for all children, regardless of abilities, gender, social issues;

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

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