Experts from the Chernihiv Oblast Football Association, along with local project leader Yevgeniy Beba, coaches, and volunteers, presented a football festival to children from local schools.

72 participants, including both boys and girls, enthusiastically joined in the festivities from the very beginning, their eyes sparkling with interest.

Photo by COFA

For many of them, this was their first encounter with football. Despite that, their enthusiasm and dedication on the field would have put even professionals to shame.

Over nearly two hours with breaks for rest, the children actively moved from one station to another with volunteers, mastering basic ball handling skills.

In addition to football coaches, a psychologist and police officer also worked with them, each imparting special knowledge that would be useful to the children in today's circumstances.

Photo by COFA

Throughout the entire festival, their parents and teachers watched them with great interest.

After the event concluded, everyone thanked our defenders for making this football celebration possible.

The first deputy head of COFA, Anatoliy Svystun, presented diplomas to the children as participants in the festival, balls, gloves, and a lot of sports equipment that will be needed at schools during training sessions and football competitions.

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

• psychosocial support for children of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, children from IDP camps, and war-affected children;
• uniting and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are involved regardless of their level of ability, gender, as well as inclusion of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football - joy from playing rather than results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteer development;
• activating local communities through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, security experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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