In September, 30 participants from three regions of Ukraine — Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chernivtsi — completed a coaching course under the C-license program of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) with elements of EORE (training on the risks associated with explosive ordnance).

This hybrid project was initiated by the Ukrainian Amateur Football Association in cooperation with the Ukrainian Football Association and Spirit of Soccer organization. The international program is planned for three years and is being implemented with support from the U.S. Department of State, which works to mitigate harmful effects caused by the dangerous and illegal use of military weapons.

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

The main task at the beginning of the program is to enhance the level of training for local coaches and teach proper handling of explosive ordnance. The experience gained by project participants can be disseminated through coaching communities and football tournaments in schools and local clubs located in affected regions.

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

On October 18, at FC "Left Bank," the certification process began, within which candidates for coaches defend their course projects and take theoretical and practical exams on teaching football methods and basic EORE. The knowledge and skills of the course attendees are evaluated by Gennady Skurtul, Director of the Sports Technical Department of UAF Vyacheslav Dragany, as well as course instructors Bogdan Hordiienko and Dmytro Fomenko.

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

The second session of the program also includes training in first aid, psychology, and child safety. Upon successful completion of the exams, course attendees will receive UAF C-category licenses, which grant them the right to work as coaches at amateur levels and with children up to 13 years old.