Here the project of the Ukrainian Football Association is being implemented by the Zakarpattya Football Association. Training under the supervision of coach Valeriy Shkura and coordinator from ZAF Anastasiia Penzova takes place twice a week at the Uzhhorod Specialized School-Boarding School.

Danylo T. is one of the students in the inclusive football section. The boy attends training sessions with his father Vitaliy. The man says that the family moved to Uzhhorod from Kharkiv. "We decided to join because our son needs some activities so he can engage in sports. Sports give such children an understanding of their life's purpose. Our school teacher says that sports develop these children in a better direction, and they find learning easier," — noted Vitaliy T.

Photo by ZAF

Eight-year-old Artem P. is a newcomer to the team. He also moved here from Kharkiv. "My child has autism spectrum disorder, does not speak, partially understands spoken language, and it's very important for him to be in society so that there's better understanding of actions that need to be taken. I am thrilled that during training my child became calmer, better understands other people's speech, lost excess weight. During the sessions, I'm not just an observer but act as an assistant to my own child, which improves the trainer's work. My son started correctly repeating exercises, orienting himself in space, understanding left and right. Here there are very good specialists who approach each child individually. Children are among other children, which also positively affects their psychoemotional development," — said Artem P.'s mother Katerina.

"We are very grateful and satisfied with the work of Valeriy Shkura's section. It is invaluable when there is acceptance and understanding of such complex situations as childhood disability, when someone puts their heart into it, when you feel that they care. We will continue to attend and participate in training. Professionalism in this field is still rare, which makes us even happier when we find something truly necessary, useful, and accessible thanks to the work of specialists," — noted Kiryl's mother Marina F.

Photo by ZAF

"A big thank you to the organizers of this project for our children! One of my sons is 10 years old. He attends training sessions with great pleasure, and it's also a huge motivation for him in his studies. On days when there are trainings, he talks about 'football' from early morning and organizes all tasks at home as a reward. He has learned to play with the ball and understands and follows the coach's recommendations. A big thank you and request to continue supporting such valuable activities for our children," — noted Andriy and Vladyslav's mother Viktoriya G.

"I want to thank the organizers and coaches for creating an inclusive football team. For giving our children a chance to feel happy, for making a huge contribution to their future. It is very difficult — working with such children, but our coaches are so dedicated to each child, finding approaches that we parents don't always manage. Seeing how your child lights up when they score a goal or pass the ball — it's indescribable. I am happy that we are in this group. Here we feel among ourselves," — said Maxim and Anastasiia's mother Marina I.

Coach Valeriy Shkura explained that before joining the team, all children undergo a medical examination and have a health certificate allowing them to play football: "They come for training when they want. Our goal is to make these children more adapted to our world. It's hard for them, but here they communicate, try to do something basic in football. We don't aim to raise some mega-footballer, but I want to give them at least the basics, development, and set their coordination right. That alone is a huge plus."

Photo by ZAF

Main goals of the UAF project:

• Improve the psychoemotional and physical state of children with disabilities and special educational needs through their involvement in physical activities of the project and socialization;
• Change Ukrainian society's attitude towards people with disabilities and children with special educational needs;
• Provide access to inclusive sports training;
• Unleash children's potential;
• Bring together children and adults, regardless of their physical and mental development characteristics;
• Motivate all children for mass football, regardless of abilities, gender, or social problems;
• Activate local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, sponsors, etc.).

Thanks to the UAF, sections are provided with children's football uniforms, balls, and necessary sports equipment.