About a hundred boys and girls from schools in the Onokivska territorial community and children from the local inclusive resource center participated in the event.

The youth hub of the Zakarpattya Football Association, together with representatives of the police and DSNZ, conducted another event as part of the "Open Football Festivals" project at the initiative of Ivan Kovach, head of the Uzhhorod District Football Association and member of the ZAF Executive Committee, with the support of the Onokivska territorial community leadership.

Photo by ZAF

Note that on Zakarpattya, the "Open Football Festivals" project is implemented by the Zakarpattya Football Association with the support of the Department of Education and Science, Youth and Sports of OVA.

The event traditionally began with the performance of the Ukrainian National Anthem and a moment of silence in memory of those who died in war. During the solemn opening, participants were greeted by acting head of Onokivska community Yevgen Leyba, ZAF chairman Ivan Duran, and head of Zakarpattya branch of VFTS "Kolos" Vasyl Khmelnitsky.

Photo by ZAF

The activities at the locations were fun and engaging. Children got acquainted with new football exercises, learned about mine safety, participated in games with a psychologist. At the end, all participants received sweet gifts and certificates. The local community was presented with footballs from ZAF and football uniforms from NGO "Western Unity."

Photo by ZAF

After the football festivals, the local community continued its festive program for children.

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

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, children of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and children affected by war;
• unity and friendship among IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• knowledge of safety in wartime conditions;
• 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-sectoral networks (youth leaders, teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).