The festival within the framework of the Ukrainian Football Association and Khmelnytsky Oblast Football Association project "Open Football Lessons" took place in Letychiv City Council, located in Khmelnytskyi region.

The opening was attended by Mayor Ihor Tysiachnyy, his deputy Anatoliy Nitsvetich and the deputy head of the Khmelnytsky Oblast Football Association Mykola Kuznetsov. Guests expressed gratitude to our armed forces and project organizers.

Photo by HOFA

Active participation in the festival was taken by the head of the education, youth and sports department Raissa Kabanova, the head of the culture, nationalities and religions department Oksana Morozova, Letychiv City Sports School and local businesses that treated children with tasty baked goods and drinks. Thanks to volunteers Roman Bondarchuk, Yevhen Vishthal, Oleksandr Slobodianyk, Volodymyr Hanyiuk, Tamara Zhulkhevykh, Andriy Oliynyk and Oleksandr Bondarchuk, psychologist Larysa Shcherbatska and choreographer Inna Marchuk, children were able to enjoy performing football exercises and developmental activities.

Photo by HOFA

72 students aged eight to ten years old, who visited the "Kolos" stadium, became participants in football training sessions and spent two days happily performing football exercises, relay races and playing football. The event was attended by Letychiv Lyceum No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, Sutulovec Lyceum, Novokostiantyniv Lyceum, Verbechka and Grechynetska Gymnasiums. The pleasure of meeting with football, positive emotions and impressions was provided for the children by a musical warm-up. Participants were able to improve their skills and techniques in football relay races held on eight mini-pitches. Children were also interested in safety pitches. A lot of useful and necessary information under wartime conditions was presented to boys and girls by DSNSS and National Police employees.

Photo by HOFA

The next day, wonderful meetings with football at the "Kolos" stadium continued. The football event concluded with the awarding of certificates and diplomas as well as balls, football equipment and gear to all participating teams.

Photo by HOFA

The leaders of Letychiv City Council emphasized: "The nationwide social project 'Open Football Lessons' has become a convincing proof of children's and school youth's interest in engaging with this popular sport. We sincerely thank the Ukrainian Football Association and Khmelnytsky Oblast Football Association for their great idea and successful implementation of the project in Letychiv City!"

Photo by HOFA

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 war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children with local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are independent of their abilities, 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;
• volunteering development;
• local community activation through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, benefactors and others).

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