The "Open Football Lessons" initiative involving representatives of regional football associations and volunteer leaders has joined the partnership project of the Ukrainian Foundation «Child Rights Protection» and Dutch international organizations — Defence for Children, Plan International NL, Giro555. The football component of the project is aimed at providing psycho-social support to children affected by the war and local children in eight western regions of Ukraine.

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

Children are expected to enjoy interesting excursions around Western Ukraine and football events with a psychological support component and training on safe behavior during wartime and its aftermath — minimizing risks from explosive hazards, mines, emergencies, etc.

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

The activities will take place over the next few months at the Central Camp for Tourist Activities of Ukrainian Schoolchildren under the Ministry of Education in Zakarpattia, as well as health and sports camps in other western regions, and at football section classes in general education and sports schools. In addition, participants receive sports equipment for training.

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

A special training dedicated to organizing the project and implementing its psychological and safety components took place in Rivne with the participation of the "Open Football Lessons" initiative. Participants thanked organizers and experts — Yevgeniya Pavlova, Oleksiy Lazarenko, and Yuriy Lutsenko — for their unique experience.