Maxim C. studies at the Vinnytsia Special School for Children with Intellectual Development Disorders. He regularly attends inclusive football section classes at his school, never missing a session. He stands out significantly in technical terms compared to other players, especially demonstrating impressive dribbling skills and scoring many goals.

Maxim almost always wears a t-shirt with the name "Messi" on it. Due to his powerful play on the pitch and considering his not very tall stature, he is nicknamed "Messik."

"I like how the Argentine footballer Lionel Messi plays. I've seen him play on TV. Just like Messi, I score a lot of goals and enjoy doing it," — Maxim C. said.

The teenager plays football not only at his special school but also in his courtyard.

Photo VOAFC

At the Vinnytsia Special School for Children with Intellectual Development Disorders, a project by the Ukrainian Football Association and the Vinnytsia Regional Football Association called "Inclusive Football Sections" is being implemented. Coaches from the regional association work with children who have special educational needs. The project is mainly supported by coach Vyacheslav Chernysh and VOAFC coordinator Oleksandr Sydoruk. Thanks to UAF, the section was provided with football uniforms, balls, and other sports equipment.

According to coaches, such activities for children with special educational needs contribute to strengthening their health, correcting motor activity, and fostering interest in physical exercise. And, specifically, in football. 

Photo VOAFC

"Our main goal is to lift the spirits of children and engage them in sports. Such schoolchildren require special attention and emotional support. They are very eager to play football and other physical activities. These classes differ from traditional boys' football training sessions. For example, we use more relay races and other interesting exercises," — noted Vyacheslav Chernysh.

"Our children need physical rehabilitation. Many find it difficult to cope with school subjects, but their favorite classes are vocational education, physical education, and football training," said the school's director Svitlana Marchuk. "The students look forward to these football lessons that have become part of their lives."

Main goals of the UAF project:

— improve the psycho-emotional and physical state of children with disabilities and those with special educational needs through engagement in the project's physical activities and socialization;

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

— provide access to inclusive sports activities;

— unlock the potential of children;

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

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

— activate local communities through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).

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