The next cycle of the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project, proposed by the Ukrainian Football Association, was implemented at Kyiv Specialized School No. 271 with a focus on information technology under the guidance of coaches Vladimir Voloshin and Olena Yermakova.

Photo by the press service of UAF

As always, with a good mood and interesting creative moments in this cycle, the coaches combined storylines from Disney movies "The Incredibles 2" and "Raya and the Last Dragon," which helped the girls find themselves within adventures and transform into various characters. This made the lessons more engaging and provided an opportunity to reinforce skills learned earlier.

Photo by the press service of UAF

"The UEFA PLAYMAKERS program reveals the potential of girls, gives them a chance to feel like part of a big football family, teaches them to dream, and most importantly — it fosters optimism in children for the future. Football contributes to strengthening a child's health, develops coordination and love for movement. The girls become more confident in themselves, learn to understand each other, make friends, and be a team. Our team motto is 'I want, I can, I will,' — noted Vladimir Voloshin.

Photo by the press service of UAF

"We were among the first to join this project proposed by a coach. From the very first lesson, I was captivated by such well-thought-out and interesting creative training. I even participated in one role or another from the Disney movies. My daughter has a lot of energy, so I immediately agreed with Lera that girls can play football too. Over the year, not only girls but also parents have been involved. We are eagerly looking forward to new lessons and experiences. Thank you to everyone involved in the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project! You made a great contribution to the physical and mental development of our children," — noted Valeria I's mother.

Goals of the UEFA PLAYMAKERS program, implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association:

• to introduce girls to football by creating an environment where fun, friends, and football are at the center;
• to implement a new individual coaching approach that uses imagination (inspired by Disney stories and characters) as a tool for training and acquiring football skills;
• to refine life skills, basic movement skills, and teach the basics of football to foster lifelong interest in the sport.