Within the framework of preparing for the new season of the Ukrainian Football Association and regional associations' "Open Football Festivals" project, volunteer leaders from 20 regions of Ukraine underwent training in Kyiv.

The seminar was opened by the General Secretary of the UFA Igor Gryshchenko and a member of the Executive Committee of the UFA, UEFA Mass Football Commission member Oleksandr Kadynko.

Photo: Dan Balashov

In particular, Igor Gryshchenko noted: "We are happy to welcome you at the start of a new season of our unique 'Open Football Festivals' project—one of our strongest mass football projects. The previous year showed that football is not just a game but also a powerful tool for uniting, supporting and developing communities. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers in 37 communities across the country, 41 festivals took place, involving 3,000 children. Through 18 newly created youth football hubs, we engaged over 19,000 children, most of whom come from families affected by war. We created a space where boys and girls, regardless of their level of preparation, physical abilities or life circumstances, could experience the joy of play, find friends, and feel community care."

Photo: Dan Balashov

Today we are opening a new stage. Ahead of us lies even more festivals, closer cooperation between schools, football clubs, psychologists, safety experts and local authorities. Our task is not only to teach children football but also to provide them with important knowledge about safe behavior in wartime conditions, support their psychological well-being, and show that together we can create an environment where every child feels safe, needed, and inspired. Thank you for your dedication, energy, and desire to make the world better. May this new season bring us new achievements, and children—new dreams and victories!"

Photo: Dan Balashov

The program was presented by the Deputy Head of the Football Development Department at UFA, Yevgeniy Stolitenko and top Ukrainian experts of the project Lianna Kopilova, Vitaliy Titaryuk, Serhiy Chesheyko, Yuriy Lutsenko and Oleksii Lazarenko.

From August 11 to 13, representatives from 20 regions of Ukraine familiarized themselves with the concept and specifics of organizing the project, special content for activities (regarding children's development and interaction, inclusive activities, fun games, football games and technical exercises). In addition, they received innovative materials on the psychological support component of the project as well as knowledge provision to minimize risks from explosive hazardous objects, mines and emergency situations related to war.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Seminar participants learned how to analyze opportunities, assess resources and risks, communicate and work with young leaders, set SMART goals and plan activities. Also important were presentations from the regions on sharing experiences of implementing mass children's football projects in communities.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The seminar sessions took place both in an interactive seminar format and in practice—on the synthetic field of the UFA Training Complex for preparing youth and junior national teams.

At the end of the seminar, football volunteers received UEFA Mass Football Leaders certificates from the hands of the General Secretary of the UFA Igor Gryshchenko.