Within the framework of a project by the Ukrainian Football Association and the Donetsk Oblast Football Association for children from areas of active hostilities in Donetsk Oblast, a festival called "Open Football Lessons" was organized in Mukachevo.

72 children were divided into six teams and got acquainted with football at six different locations on the football field based at Mukachevo School № 10.

Photo by AFDО

The event began with a march to music, after which volunteers guided the children to different locations. One of them was dedicated to safety, where representatives of the State Emergency Service worked with the children. Another location focused on psychological support. The other locations were football-related.

"Such a sports event contributes to improving the psychoemotional state of children from Donetsk Oblast who are affected by hostilities, helps establish friendly relations among them and improves their integration into the local community."

Photo by AFDО

All participants of the festival received numerous bright impressions and emotions. We thank the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) and the Donetsk Oblast Football Association (AFDO) for their continuous support in developing mass football," said the event organizer, Serhiy Holiachenko.

Photo by AFDО

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

• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, IDPs, and those affected by war;
• 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-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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