Participants of this event included the second group of children from Zaporizhzhia Oblast, who are staying in Veliky Berezny as part of a health improvement program by the Ukrainian Football Association. A pleasant surprise for volunteers at the Zakarpattya hub was meeting Vitaliy Titaryk, a teacher-volunteer of the "Open Football Lessons" project of the UFA, who is accompanying Zaporizhzhia children. Vitaliy took part in the ceremonial opening and helped organize the event.

Photo by ZAF

For three hours, boys and girls engaged in active exercises, communicated, and played with psychologist Diana Sember. They also learned a lot about first aid from paramedics of the emergency medical service and about mine safety from volunteers.

Photo by ZAF

The discussion with representatives of the Main Department of Ukraine's State Emergency Service was particularly interesting. Finally, all participants received gifts and certificates from the Zakarpattya Football Association. Traditionally, "Water Border" provided TOV "A.M.V.-Carpathians."

Photo by ZAF

As a reminder, "Open Football Lessons" is a project of the Ukrainian Football Association supported by the New Democracy Foundation (NDF) and the Cross-Cultural Projects Association (CCPA) from Denmark. It is implemented in 19 regions of Ukraine.

In Zakarpattya, the project's sessions are conducted by the youth hub of the Zakarpattya Football Association with support from the Department of Education, Science, Youth and Sports of Zakarpattya OVA.

Photo by ZAF

The "Open Football Lessons" project of the Ukrainian Football Association and regional football associations, supported by UEFA, is:

• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, IDPs (internally displaced persons), and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children with local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are involved regardless of their abilities, gender, as well as the 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;
• volunteer development;
• activating local communities through cross-sectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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