The project "Inclusive Football Sections" of the Ukrainian Football Association and the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Football Association was successfully implemented in Sinelnikove, a city in Dnipropetrovsk region, based on the local Lyceum No. 7.

The classes organized by experienced coach Oleksandr Rodzyn were attended by 16 children with special educational needs and from families affected by war.

Photo AFDO

"During each training session, under the supervision of the coach and a volunteer, children performed various exercises to improve concentration, agility, speed, and ball handling technique. Our trainings were diverse and took place at three different locations but always ended with football games in various formats: 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3 or 4 on 4.

Photo AFDO

It is worth mentioning how we celebrated the sixth birthday of Sviatoslav P. during one of the trainings, and at the end of the session everyone together presented him with a football ball. After completing the training cycle, all children who went through this journey with us received football kits with the project logo. We also thank for all the equipment provided by the project which will be useful to us in Sinelnikove District Children's Sports School trainings," noted Oleksandr Rodzyn.

Photo AFDO

Main goals of the project:

— to improve the psycho-emotional 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, regardless of abilities, gender, social problems in mass football;

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

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