On April 30, the official opening of the "Open Football Festivals" section took place at Uzhhorod Lyceum No. 7, and it was very symbolic that the festival season for 2025 began in Radavan, where Uzhhorod football originates.

At the official opening, Ivan Duran, head of the Zakarpattya Football Association, traditionally greeted the participants. He noted that apart from providing knowledge about football and safety rules, the project's goal is also patriotic education. Diana Regan, director of the lyceum, and Vasyl Gomonay, head of the Uzhhorod Football Association, also addressed the boys and girls with welcoming words. The project leader, football expert Stepan Selmenetsky, briefly acquainted the children with the history of the region's football.

Photo ZAF

After a fun warm-up, the boys and girls, divided into groups, worked at five locations related to football and mine safety, learning first aid. The psychological component of the project was provided by experienced psychologist Diana Sember.

Photo ZAF

At the end, each child received gifts from the charitable organization "Beneficial Fund for Supporting Athletes and Football Players 'Academy of Football 'Carpathia' and a participant project diploma. In turn, Ivan Duran presented footballs and other game equipment to the lyceum students, as well as a ball with signatures of FC Uzhhorod players.

Photo ZAF

The "Open Football Festivals" section, where children will be taught the basics of football, will operate throughout the year at Uzhhorod Lyceum No. 7.

The Ukrainian Football Association's "Open Football Festivals" project is:

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military servicemen, IDPs, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football - joy from playing instead of results at any cost;
• cultivation of a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteer development;
• activation of local communities through cross-sectoral networks (youth leaders, teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).