The football training cycle within the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project, implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association and the Chernivtsi Regional Football Association, has been completed in Chernivtsi. This is already the third center of the project in the region.

Over a year, in Chernivtsi at Lyceum No. 9, coaches Oksana Plakhova and Mariya Sas-Batrak conducted 20 sessions with different focuses to develop football skills based on storylines from Disney films "Raya and the Last Dragon" and "The Incredibles 2." The project participants were 30 girls aged seven to nine years old.

Photo by AFCO

During each session, the girls not only learned new football skills and practiced their abilities but also traveled through beloved animated films. This added interest, creativity, and vibrancy to the sports component. Coaches used an innovative storytelling approach involving Disney characters, which helped the girls feel satisfied with regular physical exercises and football in particular. The novel football program contributed to awareness that this is not just a game for boys, and every girl can express herself through it.

Photo by AFCO

The proper equipment used during the sessions (mitts, cones, balls of various sizes, cards for each movie, etc.) helped girls actively perform different exercise complexes, develop their football skills, and generally have fun. Each session was themed around a particular episode of a favorite animated film; participants eagerly imitated popular characters through movement, teamwork, and imagination.

Photo by AFCO

The girls learned not only sports skills but also logical thinking, cooperation abilities, trust within the team, communication, and respect for opponents.

"Participants are satisfied and willing to continue playing football. The children eagerly attended sessions. We express gratitude to the organizers for their innovative approach, developed program, and the opportunity to work specifically with girls in an interesting format that benefits everyone,"

Photo by AFCO

We also sincerely note that gratitude was expressed not only by participants but also by parents. Wonderful emotions, physical development, and the attraction of girls to sports in general did not leave any parent indifferent. We are grateful to the UAF and Chernivtsi Regional Football Association for implementing this project, and to the participants and their parents for trust, active participation, and regular attendance at training sessions," — noted Mariya Sas-Batrak.

Photo by AFCO

"As a mother of a girl, I was initially unsure if my daughter would enjoy football training. But after the first session, she enthusiastically told me that during it they also mentioned characters from her favorite animated film 'Raya and the Last Dragon' and used its plot in exercises.

Since parents care most about their child's happiness and desire to attend a particular section, I am very satisfied and sincerely grateful to the coaches for introducing such a project specifically for girls! In addition to sports training, my Sophia happily completed tasks given by trainers at home and eagerly awaited the next session. At our time, it is important that children develop, enjoy every day, and engage in sports. Therefore, from sessions only positive impressions both for my daughter and me," — said Sofia's mother, one of the project participants.

Photo by AFCO

"Surely, my Maria running to training every time will be the best and most honest feedback. An interesting format of trainings and professional approach of coaches are very important because not all girls have football abilities. We enjoyed such sessions and we gladly plan to attend them again. The only minus is that the name should stay longer, quoting my daughter: 'Training needs to last longer!' Thank you coaches for interesting and useful sessions," — said Maria's mother, another project participant.

Photo by AFCO

"In my opinion, the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project is the best format for promoting football among girls. Thanks to a special approach in methodology, it's easy and interesting for me as a coach to work with participants; there is a clear plan for each session, necessary equipment, character cards, and, according to my girls' participants, 'our favorite colorful balls.'

The project made it possible to create a unique environment where football is accessible to girls in an interesting game format. Moreover, during the war times, it's very important to give children positive emotions, develop their love for sports and make their training sessions fun and comfortable," — summarized Oksana Plakhova.

Photo by AFCO

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 in focus;
• 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 girls' life skills, basic movement skills, and teach the basics of football to foster lifelong interest in the sport.