In Kropyvnytskyi at the Lyceum "Victoria-P" within the framework of a project by the Ukrainian Football Association and the Kirovohrad Oblast Football Association, Open Football Festivals took place.

The event was attended by 72 children—schoolchildren from the oblast center—and was organized with the assistance of the education department of the Kropyvnytskyi City Council, volunteer youth football hub members, and the physical culture and sports society "Spartak."

Photo by KOAF

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.

Then, after a general warm-up, children were able to forget about problems related to the war and play various games with elements of football. Special attention was given to learning how to minimize risks associated with explosive items and safe behavior during emergencies. Additionally, all children went through a psychologist's location where they received new knowledge and psychological support.

Photo by KOAF

At the end of the event, all participants received diplomas, football shirts, and balls from the Ukrainian Football Association.

Local volunteer leader Oleksii Kovalenko noted: "This project is not only about sports but also about care, support, and adaptation for children during a difficult period of wartime. It is through such initiatives that trust, unity, and faith in a better future are formed."

Photo by KOAF

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

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military service members, IDPs, and those affected by the war;
• unity and friendship between 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 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, safety experts, parents, local authorities, patrons, etc.).