On May 22 in the Zboriv community at the municipal stadium "Kolos," the Ukrainian Football Association and the Ternopil Football Association held events within the framework of the project "Open Football Festivals."

As tradition dictates, the proceedings began with an official opening ceremony. The head of the Ternopil Football Association, Taras Yurik, greeted young athletes and their mentors and thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunity to hold such sports events in this time.

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After the official part, the stadium was completely handed over to the children.

Seventy-two students from Zboriv community and children with special educational needs from the social rehabilitation department of the communal institution "Center for Social Services" of the Zboriv City Council, as well as children of internally displaced persons, orphans, and children of military personnel participated in the project.

The main conductor of the event was football coach and organizer of sports competitions Igor Kozovik, who coordinated the event.

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The festival began with a dynamic warm-up. Then teams dispersed to sectors into which the football field was divided. Participants engaged in six sectors: "Introduction," "Football - Technique," "Football Games," "Games for Developing General Skills," "Safety Corner," and "Psychologist's Corner." Everyone had the opportunity to work under the guidance of volunteer instructors at each sector.

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Youth leaders and physical education teachers organized various fun games and relays for young athletes, during which children had the opportunity to learn elements of football technique. Of particular interest to schoolchildren was the safety square where police officers from Department No. 2 (city of Zboriv) of the Ternopil Regional Police Directorate of the National Police in Ternopil Oblast taught them rules for safe behavior during wartime.

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Performing various special exercises turned the event into a large-scale physical and sports activity, and the smiles of children became the best reward for everyone involved in its organization.

At the end, participants received t-shirts with the project logo "Open Football Festivals," diplomas, and balls from UAF. But most importantly, the children felt safe, had a pleasant and beneficial time together.

And of course, we express our greatest gratitude to our defenders for allowing us to hold such events!

Photo AFT

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

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, internally displaced persons' children, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children and local children, social integration;
• an inclusive environment in which everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• knowledge of safety during wartime;
• the philosophy of mass football - joy from playing rather than results at any cost;
• cultivation of a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteer development;
• activation of local communities through cross-sector networks (youth leaders, teachers, coaches, psychologists, security experts, parents, local authorities, patrons, etc.).