A children's festival "Open Football Lessons" took place in Nadvoyska

We barely had time to catch our breath from the football festival in Ivano-Frankivsk when Nadvoyna already joined the project.

A children's festival "Open Football Lessons" took place in Nadvoyska

Photo from ifff.if.ua

On June 11, the city stadium "Naftovik" hosted the festival "Open Football Lessons." A wonderful football event for communication and establishing friendly connections between children of internally displaced persons and local children was organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association, Nadvozhranka District Football Association, and local community leadership.

Photos ifff.if.ua

The event was addressed by the mayor of Nadvozhranka Zinoviy Andriyovich, project coordinator from UAF Yevheniy Stolitenko, and head of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association Andriy Bondarenko. Also participating were first deputy chairman of the oblast football association Taras Klim, vice-chairman and executive director of the oblast football association Vasyl Sykora, head of Nadvozhranka District Football Association Ruslan Nesteruk, and vice-mayor of Nadvozhranka Igor Pisklynets.

Photos ifff.if.ua

After the ceremonial part, the stadium was fully handed over to the children. The festival began with a dynamic warm-up session followed by various fun football games, competitions, and contests for the kids based on the principle of "Sports for All." The football field was divided into 12 sectors, each managed by a volunteer coach assisted by an aide. Children, organized into teams, moved from sector to sector where they were offered different exercises or invited to play. Participants demonstrated their skills in football techniques and competed in sports relays and contests. In addition to local children, children of internally displaced persons from all over Ukraine also took part.

Photos ifff.if.ua

The festive atmosphere was enhanced by musical accompaniment. The children joyfully participated in contests, games, and performed various exercises under the guidance of their mentors.

At the end, each child received a participant certificate, a commemorative medal, and an exclusive T-shirt from UAF; teams received footballs for training and cakes. Internally displaced children also received medical kits, food supplies, and essential items. Most importantly, the children felt safe, enjoyed themselves, and spent time together in a healthy manner.

Photos ifff.if.ua

The goal of "Open Football Lessons" is to support the protection of children who are temporarily residing in western regions of Ukraine, unaccompanied children, orphans, and other vulnerable children affected by war.

It remains hoped that the hours spent on the sports field will not be wasted, and many children will choose an active and healthy lifestyle and join the friendly football family.