From August 19 to September 29 in Kovel, six planned training camps for children of different age categories were held within the FIFA TDS program aimed at searching and developing young football talents.

From August 19 to 24, a gathering was organized for children born in 2013-2014. Thirty-two young football players who demonstrated the best results on test trials in their OTGs were invited to participate. The geographical scope of the participants was very broad, and most importantly, it included children from rural communities. Therefore, in the first camp, representatives from Kolomyia OTG (Ivano-Frankivsk region), Pustomytyvskyi OTG (Lviv region), Novobuzhka OTG (Mykolaiv region), Chichelnitsa, Mogilev-Podilskyi OTG (Vinnytsia region), Kivercivskyi, Tsumanskyi, Smydentskyi OTGs (Volyn region), Velykodymeretska and Zolochyvska OTGs (Kyiv region) as well as Tairovskyi OTG (Odesa region) were present.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

From September 12 to 16, children aged 2015-2017 (26 young talents) were invited to participate in the FIFA TDS CAMP. It should be noted that despite their young age, these children were highly focused on quality training.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

The demands of intellectual football were implemented in the training process for each exercise, first and foremost. Children who rarely received such exercises during their daily training sessions were able to participate and perform well as required by the coaches.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

From September 16 to 21, children from the oldest age category (born in 2010-2012) were invited to participate. The camp was paired, with a nominal enrollment of 40 young football players. In addition to the already mentioned OTGs, participants included children from Kuyalnytska OTG (Odesa region). Children aged 12-14 received appropriate training content aimed at improving their football intelligence. Many participants demonstrated strong results in training, which was evident during a match against the home team FC "Kovel" born in 2011. In fact, two matches were played: both teams had an opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge of the game. Although the results of both matches were not positive for our teams, coaches noted progress in players' thinking and their dedication to showcasing their best qualities.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

The fifth and sixth camps were also paired. Thirty football players born in 2013-2014 participated.

It should be noted that out of the 5,000 tested football players from 30 OTGs, the largest number was invited from the age categories of 2013-2014. Considering this, three camps were organized for children in this age group.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

The stay in all camps was provided free of charge, and participants received appropriate equipment. Additionally, children from younger age categories (2013-2017) were given balls by the UAF.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

The attitude of organizers and coaches contributed to creating a professional model for young football players, who, in turn, literally on the second or third day of work, accepted this model and responded appropriately to demands regarding their discipline, focus, dedication, and motivation.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Thus, the second part of the FIFA TDS project has been implemented. We are preparing appropriate reports for the UAF and FIFA as well as proposals to continue working on this project focusing on children from rural communities. Summarizing preliminary results, it can be confidently stated that young football talents who will fill the ranks of professional teams in Ukraine, Europe, and around the world in the near future are hidden precisely in rural areas.