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In Zhivkov (Zhivotov), activities under the UEFA Playmakers program are taking place. Note: There seems to be a discrepancy in the transliteration of "Житомир" which is correctly "Zhitoimir" or commonly known as "Zhytomyr". The provided translation keeps the name as it appeared, but for accuracy, it should be "Zhytomyr". Since instructions are strict about not altering names and to keep placeholders verbatim (though there were none in this case), I'll stick with the given form: In Zhivkov, activities under the UEFA Playmakers program are taking place. However, strictly adhering to the instruction without alteration based on context: In Zhivkov, activities under the UEFA Playmakers program are taking place. For absolute accuracy as per standard transliteration: In Zhytomyr, activities under the UEFA Playmakers program are taking place.
At the Zhitomir Lyceum No. 28, training is underway within the framework of the UEFA Playmakers program, aimed at attracting girls to football.
Photo JOAF
Training sessions under the UEFA Playmakers program are taking place at the Zhytomyr Lyceum No. 28, aimed at engaging girls in football. The sessions are conducted by Kateryna Markova – the coordinator of the program from the regional football association. General support for the initiative is provided by Ruslan Mayevskyi, the executive director of the Zhytomyr Regional Football Association.
Photo ZOAF
"We hold sessions regularly, twice a week. We have more experience now, and the girls know much more. They already understand what football is, not just its elements. Every 10 training sessions of UEFA Playmakers are based on stories that are inspired by Disney movies such as 'Encanto,' 'Raya and the Last Dragon,' 'The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part,' 'Frozen II,' and 'Soul.'"
Photo ZOAF
We have very good feedback from parents – both personally and on social media. The lyceum administration, led by director Yanyna Hlynchevska, supports us in all our initiatives, for example, they installed additional goals in the gym for UEFA Playmakers sessions. The lyceum is proud to have girl football players," notes Kateryna Markova.
Photo ZOAF
"Less than a year since the UEFA Playmakers sessions began at Lyceum No. 28 in Zhytomyr, and we already see significant progress. Everyone takes their training very seriously; they even prepare equipment themselves. Participants of the project have become much more cohesive and better skilled in football," emphasized Ruslan Mayevskyi.
Photo ZOAF
Tetiana, the mother of participant Yevheniia, says: "It's great that a project of this scale is being implemented in our lyceum. There is an opportunity for girls to develop their potential. A huge thank you goes to the coach Kateryna Markova for her positive energy and enthusiasm, which unites children. What we have seen – it’s very interesting, sporty, and practical."
Photo ZOAF
Eight-year-old participants of UEFA Playmakers, Anya and Vita, say they enjoy playing football the most and also like scoring goals.
Objectives of the UEFA Playmakers program implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association:
- to introduce girls to football, creating an environment where fun, friends, and football are at the center;
- to implement a new individual coaching approach that uses imagination (inspired by Disney stories and characters) as a tool for training and acquiring football skills;
- to refine girls' life skills, basic movement skills, and teach them the basics of football to foster lifelong interest in the sport.
