A wonderful football event for communication and establishing friendly connections among children took place at the local stadium "Centralnyi" with support from the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association and the Main Department of State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.

Photo by IFOAF

The project involved 72 children, including students from Kholuska Lyceum No. 3 with special educational needs (teacher - Y. M. Bogdan), children of internally displaced persons, children deprived of parental care, and children of military personnel.

After the ceremonial part, the stadium was fully handed over to the children. Participants were greeted with positive emotions, an educational program, social integration, healthy lifestyle education, volunteer support in wartime conditions, and open events.

Photo by IFOAF

Participants of the football celebration received unforgettable impressions, wonderful emotions, and experience. And also - joy from playing. Because the main thing is participation, not victory!

At the end, each child received a participant diploma and an exclusive T-shirt from the UAF, while teams received a large amount of sports equipment. But most importantly, children felt safe, had a pleasant and healthy time together.

Photo by IFOAF

The project of the Ukrainian Football Association and regional football associations "Open Football Lessons" with support from UEFA is:

• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, children with special educational needs, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among children with special educational needs and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are involved regardless of their abilities or gender, including children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football - joy from playing instead of results at any cost;
• healthy lifestyle education;
• volunteer development;
• local community activation through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).

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