Towards the end of April, schoolchildren from Smila gathered at the "Youth" stadium for a festival within the framework of the social project "Open Football Lessons" by the Ukrainian Association of Football and the Cherkasy Regional Association of Football.

The festival was attended by young football enthusiasts from schools №1, 11, 12, Smila's NVK-gymnasium, and Lyceum-School "Leader". Children with special educational needs also participated in the event.

A lively activity conducted by T. L. Kramarenko, a teacher from a specialized school-internat, set a good mood and sparked curiosity among the participants to learn something new.

Photo by ChOAF

The technical aspects of playing football were successfully introduced to the schoolchildren under the guidance of dedicated coaches - physical education teachers V. A. Kolomiychuk (school №1), Y. M. Zaytsev (school №11), S. V. Fadyeyev (school №12), and A. V. Khomenchuk (Lyceum-School "Leader").

An interesting encounter with the gymnasium's psychologist L. D. Pohil deepened their knowledge of mental safety, as they visited a booth manned by professionals from the State Emergency Service.

The project volunteers were united under their leader - O. Kolivay, a teacher at Smila's NVK-gymnasium.

Photo by ChOAF

The executive director of the Cherkasy Regional Association of Football V. G. Foshchii and his deputy O. M. Kochergin, as well as A. V. Saprykina, head of the Cherkasy Oblast Department of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education and Science, addressed the children with encouraging words.

The schoolchildren had a nice time outdoors, received an energy boost, satisfaction, and got closer to football. They also received footballs, t-shirts, and certificates.

Photo by ChOAF

The project "Open Football Lessons" of the Ukrainian Association of Football and regional football associations, supported by UEFA, is:

• psychosocial support for children of ZSU military personnel, children of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and war-affected children;
• unification and friendship among IDP children with local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment, participation regardless of ability level or gender, as well as the involvement of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football - joy from playing instead of results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteer development;
• local community activation through cross-sectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety professionals, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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