The "Inclusive Football Sections" project of the Ukrainian Association of Football and Khmelnytsky Oblast Football Association is being implemented at a local special school № 33. The classes are conducted under the leadership of coaches Oleg Stolyarchuk and Svitlana Namystyuk.

"20 children joyfully participated in this project, which was introduced by UAF with the help of Khmelnytsky Oblast Football Association in the community. We are grateful to everyone who joined this important project, which provided an opportunity for children with special educational needs to psychologically unwind during a difficult time for Ukraine," says Mykola Kuznetsov, deputy head of HOAF.

Photo by HOAF

Project volunteer Svitlana Namystyuk: "Students from our school have been participating in this project, organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football, for two years now. Thanks to it, almost all children love football and eagerly await training sessions. They are active and initiative during games, quickly organize themselves. Training takes place in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere; older students are always ready to help younger ones and set an example. As a coach and physical education teacher, I am very satisfied with the progress of classes and the work of the children. Therefore, I would like to express gratitude on behalf of the administration, parents, and students to all organizers for the opportunity to participate in this project and for providing such important sports equipment."

Photo by HOAF

And here are the emotions of young participants and their parents:

Lazar A., 10 years old: "I really love playing football. I want to score many goals."

Serhiy K., 14 years old: "I want to become a football player because I like this game and I know how to play it!"

Rozalia N., 10 years old: "I enjoy playing football with friends. It is always fun and interesting."

Her mother Svitlana N.: "We really enjoyed going to football classes; the little girl is very satisfied and has someone to run around with. She always eagerly awaits the next session."

Photo by HOAF

Main goals of the UAF project:

— to improve the psychoemotional and physical state of children with disabilities and special educational needs through their involvement in sports activities and socialization;

— to change society's attitude towards people with disabilities and children with special educational needs;

— to provide access to inclusive sports training;

— to unlock the potential of children;

— to unite children and adults, regardless of physical or mental development characteristics;

— to motivate all children for mass football, regardless of abilities, gender, social issues;

— to activate local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

Thanks to UAF, the sections are equipped with children's football uniforms, balls, and necessary sports equipment.