As a result of Russian military aggression, Ukraine is the most mine-affected country on the world map. On deoccupied territories, thousands of unexploded ordnances remain after enemy shelling; thousands of square kilometers of Ukrainian land are contaminated with anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, booby traps, cluster munitions, and other types of ammunition that did not detonate. In addition, potentially mined may be residential buildings, household items, fields, and even children's toys.

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The damage that these objects can cause is irreparable. Therefore, the first step in combating this threat is knowing the correct algorithm for dealing with explosive hazards. Because those who are informed are protected!

That's why in 2022 an innovative project began operating in Ukraine, which for the first time includes a module on EORE (education about explosive risk) in the training program for mass football coaches.

We take into account the importance of creating a safe environment for our children's education and providing them with professionally trained personnel. Therefore, thanks to this project, we invest resources in free licensing C education for coaches and players who wish to develop in coaching. This license is fundamental in developing mass football.

During the year and a half of the project's operation, hybrid training according to the program was completed by coaches from six regions of Ukraine that were most affected by the consequences of military actions and received a significant influx of internally displaced persons. At the first stage, 30 coaches from Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chernivtsi oblasts were selected for participation in the training, followed by experts from Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv regions joining them later. After completing the training, 30 coaches received a national C diploma of UAF in 2022, and another 40 coaches obtained an international UEFA C diploma in 2023.

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Of them, now 25 coaches are active program trainers and continue to spread EORE messages through football activities in their regions.

The founder of the organization Scott Lee spoke about the need for further development of this project in our country: "After the full-scale invasion, according to preliminary estimates, almost 30% of Ukraine's territory or 174 thousand sq. km are contaminated with explosive hazards as a result of Russian aggression. The main task of the program is to convey to children living in high-risk regions rules for dealing with unexploded mines and ammunition through football skills. Training sessions and educational programs are specially designed according to participants' needs. We also talk about mental health, well-being strategy, psychological characteristics of each child. Changing behavior in society and conducting training methods should minimize risks that arise daily in Ukraine. Active players of the national football team have joined the 'No Mines' initiative as an example for younger generations. Therefore, we do not stop our work."

In a light and educational form, coaches convey to children what "mine danger" is and explain the main rules of behavior that can save lives. Overall, Spirit of Soccer events have reached over 15,000 children and adults in numerous Ukrainian regions and continue to spread among youth, parents, mass football coaches, and football referees.

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"Our program does not just teach children to play football, it teaches them to stay safe and attentive even during the most joyful games. The importance of this project for our society cannot be overstated," — believes Spirit of Soccer project coach from Chernihiv, Serhiy Denysenko.

"Like most people in the project, I am inspired by children's smiles, words of gratitude from them and understanding that this is not for nothing, it is important and we must conduct training and convey information to most villages and cities," — shares his impressions coach from Kyiv Artem Hohol.

The program is implemented with the support of the U.S. Department of State and carried out by the Ukrainian Amateur Football Association in cooperation with the international organization Spirit of Soccer and the Ukrainian Football Association.

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"On behalf of myself and on behalf of the Amateur Football Association, I would like to thank our international partners — Spirit of Soccer organization and the U.S. Department of State for their help to our country and especially football during this difficult time. It is good that our coaches have an opportunity to receive free football education, improve their level of training and knowledge about dealing with explosive hazards. Importantly, coaches will be able to pass on this important experience to their colleagues and young football players. The lives of children saved are worth implementing such projects further," — emphasized the vice-chairman of the UAF Development Committee, UEFA Mass Football Commission member Oleksandr Kadchenko.

Photo by the press service of UAF

Education and awareness — key tools in countering war consequences. Thanks to international cooperation, Spirit of Soccer Ukraine continues to work on the sports front and implement a common goal — life for every child and security for every family.