In Smila, located in Cherkasy Oblast, an "Open Football Festival" took place at the municipal stadium "Youth" within the framework of a project by the Ukrainian Association of Football and the Cherkasy Regional Association of Football.

The event was attended by 72 children from six general education schools in the city. It began with an official presentation of each school, the National Anthem of Ukraine, and a moment of silence. Local volunteer leader Oleksandr Kolivay and head of the local youth and sports department Iryna Kasyan addressed the participants with welcoming words. Before starting the football stations, all children together with guests performed an energetic warm-up.

Photo by ChOAF

Coaches and volunteers prepared interesting stations — football-related as well as psychological relaxation, where each child could feel needed and important. The children demonstrated their skills at stations with football techniques, had fun on a playground of active games, competed in relay races, and also played the most beloved game — football. Additionally, at the safety station, they were taught by local DSNSS workers about recognizing dangerous items and the algorithm for actions during emergencies.

Photo by ChOAF

At the end of the festival, children received commemorative diplomas and t-shirts, while DSNSS staff organized a real water show. The most important thing is that the event took place in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Its participants were able to receive a charge of positive emotions and enjoy the moments of interesting games together with new friends.

Photo by ChOAF

The project "Open Football Festivals" by the Ukrainian Association of Football is:

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, IDPs, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children and local children, social integration;
• an inclusive environment where everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• the philosophy of mass football — joy from playing instead of any price for results;
• 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.).