The Sumy Oblast Football Association and the Konotop Children's Sports School held a sports festival for children affected by the war within the framework of the Ukrainian Football Association project "Open Football Lessons" in Konotop, Sumy region.

In addition to purely football games and exercises that bring joy to participants, the project includes a component of psychological support for children as well as providing them with current knowledge about mine safety and algorithms of action during various emergency situations related to war.

Photo by AFSO

The football festival was opened by the head of the Sumy Oblast Football Association, Andriy Prokhorovich, and first deputy Albert Molgamov.

All children received t-shirts and certificates as participants in the project, while schools that participated were given sports equipment for further football training.

The AFSO thanked local volunteer leader Dmytro Yurchenko and head of the Konotop Children's Sports School Tamara Palamarchuk for their excellent organization and involvement of children in football.

Photo by AFSO

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

• psychosocial support for children of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, children of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and children affected by war;
• unity and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment, participants regardless of ability level, gender, as well as participation 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;
• activation of local communities through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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