The Kyiv Association of Football Unions held another educational cycle under the program of a popular project by the Ukrainian Football Association.

More than 70 children participated in the festival "Open Football Lessons," organized by KOAF together with partners from juvenile police, youth organizations, the All-Ukrainian Foundation "Child Rights Protection" and Vasylkiv City Council.

Photo by KOAF

The participants represented the Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Children with Disabilities "Health," youth organization UTCC, Patriotic Village for VPO and Zasugnya Gymnasium.

Photo by KOAF

Working with them were psychologists, social managers, team-building trainers, and police officers. In a playful format, experts provided children effective support in wartime conditions, ensured a positive emotional charge, and used football to draw maximum attention to rules of safe behavior and healthy living.

Photo by KOAF

The bright event was made up of a series of unforgettable actions thanks to the creative efforts of volunteers from the regional youth football hub. Special gratitude goes to the project coordinator in Kyiv region, Volodymyr Maslov, Deputy Head of the Youth and Sports Department of Vasylkiv City Council Andriy Boyko, and Director of Vasylkiv City Sports Complex Sergei Lapshin.

Photo by KOAF

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

• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, VPO children, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship between VPO children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are involved regardless of their abilities, gender, as well as the inclusion 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;
• local community activation through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).

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