In Kostopol, located in Rivne Oblast, the Ukrainian Football Association project "Open Football Lessons" was implemented by the Kostopol District Football Federation and the Kostopol Youth Football Hub of the "Patriot" project.

"On the basis of the Kostopol Children's Sports School, 72 children participated in games and training sessions across six sectors. These included 'Introduction', 'Football - Technique', 'Football Games', 'Games for Developing General Skills', 'Safety Corner', and 'Psychologist's Corner'. Local youth, volunteers, and teachers organized interesting games, relays, and other activities using balls, hoops, cones, sticks, jump ropes, a rope, and other equipment."

Photo by the press service of UAF

The goal of this comprehensive set of exercises was to teach children the basics of football and foster an interest in physical activity. The 'Safety Corner' particularly caught their attention, where students were taught safety rules in wartime conditions.

Photo by the press service of UAF

The 'Open Football Lessons' concluded with gifts. The children received diplomas, t-shirts, and baseball caps from the project, while schools were given balls and other necessary equipment for future activities," — noted Yuri Bamboyla, a youth leader and organizer of the hub.

Photo by the press service of UAF

The Ukrainian Football Association project "Open Football Lessons," supported by the New Democracy Foundation (NDF), Denmark's Cross-Cultural Projects Association (CCPA) and UEFA, aims to:

• provide psychosocial support for children of military personnel, IDPs, and those affected by war;
• unite and foster friendship between IDP children and local children, promoting social integration;
• create an inclusive environment where participants can take part regardless of their abilities or gender, including children with special educational needs;
• teach safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• promote the philosophy of mass football — joy from playing rather than results at any cost;
• nurture a healthy lifestyle;
• develop volunteerism;
• activate local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).

All project activities are conducted in regions with the approval of regional military administrations.