The project was implemented in Rivne and Ostroh, with trainers being two-time Paralympic champion Igor Kosenko and one of the best teachers in Ukraine — Volodymyr Odnorog and Denis Bohovykh, who was forcibly displaced from Lysychansk to Rivnenska Oblast. They brought together children with disabilities, those with special educational needs, and local schoolchildren. All of them attend training sessions with great pleasure, are always cheerful, friendly, and very active.

Photo by ROAF

As the head of the Rivne Oblast Football Association Oleksiy Khakhlov notes, "the implementation of this project, in addition to its direct social aspect, will have a fairly positive impact on the development of football in the Rivnenska oblast as a whole. Indeed, apart from the main goal — psychological support for children, this project contributes to the popularization and establishment of football as the primary sport in the region. This is why organizing and holding such events acquires particular relevance at present."

Photo by ROAF

The coordinator for children's rights at the ROAF, Taras Kyr'ianchuk emphasizes: "Special attention should be paid to the participation of two-time Paralympic champion Igor Kosenko in our project, as his knowledge, skills, and experience are extremely important regarding significant involvement of children with disabilities. I would like to express special gratitude to the Rivne Regional Center 'Invasport', whose leadership and staff do everything possible to implement this initiative."

Photo by ROAF

One of the project participants is a fifth-grader, Mykita S. His parents say that he has been an active boy since childhood and his father decided to enroll him in football but was not accepted into the section where healthy children train, so Mykita only played ball in the yard. Now he happily trains at an inclusive football club. Daily training, persistent work of the coach and parents give him confidence in himself and his abilities. Mykita leads an active lifestyle and cannot imagine life without football; he participates in open inclusive football events, attends all trainings, and dreams of becoming a Paralympic champion.

Photo by ROAF

And here is what another participant in the section, Vladyslav G. (13 years old), says: "I have been playing football since first grade in my hometown Lysychansk. Unfortunately, I had to leave my native city and my family moved to Rivne. My parents immediately took me to a football club because football is my life, and when I have free time, I always play it. Thanks to sports, I made many friends. I always come to the section with great pleasure and look forward to the next session. I believe in our victory and dream of playing football again in my hometown."

Through this project within the UEFA Grassroots Football Charter, the Ukrainian Association of Football aims:

— to improve the psycho-emotional and physical state of children through their involvement in physical activities and socialization;

— to change society's attitude towards people with disabilities;

— to provide access to inclusive sports activities;

— to unlock children's potential;

— to unite children and adults regardless of physical or mental development.

Inclusive football sections, which are open for children with special educational needs, have been established in 21 communities across Ukraine. Thanks to the UAF, these sections are equipped with children's football uniforms, balls, and necessary sports equipment.