This year's largest children's project "Open Football Festivals" took place in the village of Mykhigriv, which is located in Zakarpattia.

The "Open Football Festivals" project by the Ukrainian Football Association to support children affected by the war traditionally takes place every year in 20 communities across Ukraine. In Zakarpattia, it was held with the support of the Department of Education and Science, Youth and Sports of the Zakarpattia OVA.

Photo by ZAF

The "Open Football Festivals" project is implemented in Zakarpattia by the Zakarpattia Football Association together with the youth hub "Open Football Lessons," created in 2024. This year, the festival was held in the village of Mykhigriv, where 900 students study at the local Lyceum No. 1. The event brought together 144 boys and girls aged 9 to 13 years old. Thirteen volunteers from the lyceum helped coaches and teachers during the event.

It is worth noting that the goal of the festival is to engage children who have not previously been involved in sports.

Photo by ZAF

The event traditionally began with the Ukrainian National Anthem and a moment of silence for those who died in the war. Welcoming words were addressed to participants by Mykhigriv Village Head Vasyl Shchur, Education Department Head Nadia Oleksienko, Lyceum Director Galyna Belya, and participant of combat actions Anatoliy Ilitsky. Veterans of the war with Russia Yuri Tovt, Volodymyr Mikhaylina, and Roman Bober were also present at the event.

Photo by ZAF

During the solemn opening, a member of the Zakarpattia Football Association Executive Committee and football expert Stepan Selmenetsky briefly acquainted children with the history of football in Zakarpattia. Teacher Valeria Palaz of the Children's Art School charged everyone with patriotic spirit through her song. After a group photo for memory and an energetic warm-up, training sessions at football locations began. The children also received knowledge about first aid, got to know a fire truck, and learned much new information about mine safety. The psychological component of the project was provided by experienced psychologist Valeria Dragunova from the "Mukachevo" Academy.

Photo by ZAF

Finally, all participants received sweets from the charitable organization "Beneficial Fund for Supporting Athletes and Football Players 'Academy of Carpathian Football'" and diplomas from the UFA. The students at the lyceum were also given sports equipment and footballs as a gift from the Ukrainian Football Association.