In Rivne region, the two-day "Open Football Lessons" started on July 16th. They were organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football in collaboration with international partners. Nearly 150 boys and girls registered for the event. Some of the participants are children who have been displaced.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Almost 150 children gathered at a stadium in Ostroh to participate in activities within the "Open Football Lessons" project. One of the participants is nine-year-old Yevhen Siluk, who evacuated with his family from Olhyne village in Kherson region to Ostroh. He says this is his first time attending such football lessons.

“I am more interested in doing something with the ball. They talked about mine safety, we learned signs, circled the ball, passed it over heads and legs.”

Photo by the press service of the UAF

The "Open Football Lessons" were organized by the UAF in collaboration with foreign partners for children living in Ostroh district and those who have evacuated from conflict zones.

“The overall goal of the project is to provide psychosocial support to internally displaced children, unite them with local children into teams, and group them. The project also provides humanitarian kits for IDPs—food, medical supplies, hygiene items. Material and technical support in the form of training equipment such as balls and uniforms is also provided.”

The football field was divided into 12 sectors. In each sector, coaches conduct lessons with different tasks. The duration of one lesson is 10 minutes. Training takes place on a rotational basis.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Denys Bohovyi moved to Rivne two months ago. In his hometown, Lysychansk, he was a children's football coach for 12 years. Now here he teaches schoolchildren in a game format how to identify hazardous items and explains what to do in case of danger.

“In my opinion, this should be taken as a rule, allocating a few minutes because you know the time spent in shelters. So that children always have it in their minds what to do. It would be better if they never needed it, but there should be an action plan.”

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Coach Tetiana Slobodian uses an intellectual game with elements of football to explain what a healthy lifestyle is.

“How to eat properly, follow drinking regimen, engage in sports. And then we come to the conclusion that to do sports, you must be healthy, and to be healthy, you need a strong immune system.”

Photo by the press service of the UAF

“I love such a tough sport that involves struggle. Here you have to win and fight for the ball.”

Another session within the "Open Football Lessons" is planned for autumn. The venue has yet to be determined.