A football festival of the "Open Football Lessons" project took place at the «Ingul» stadium in Perevizhnyvtsi for children affected by the war. Important psycho-social football events were organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football, Kirovohrad Oblast Association of Football, and the Perevizhnyvtsi community.

Photo by KOAF

Children from Perevizhnyvtsi T.G. and other regions of Ukraine, who were forced to move due to the war, participated in "Open Football Lessons." The sports event lasted for two days. On the first day, children happily went through six different football, psychological, and safety stations staffed by volunteers, and on the second day, they played for the «Sweet Cup».

The goal of the project events was to develop physical abilities and talents in children, popularize football, form healthy lifestyle habits, provide psychological relief, adapt, and socialize internally displaced children.

Photo by KOAF

At the beginning of the event, everyone together performed the Ukrainian National Anthem and observed a moment of silence to honor all those who fell in defense of Ukraine.

The main action began with an energetic warm-up. Children spent their time meaningfully outdoors, received many positive emotions, and showed their agility and skill.

The event for children was opened by the head of Kirovohrad Oblast Association of Football Viktor Bezsmertnyy, chief of Youth and Sports Department OVA Andriy Shchetina, head of Oblast Division Committee on Physical Education and Sport M.O.N. Oleksandr Shevchenko, head of Perevizhnyvtsi village council Praskovya Mudrak, director of the Perevizhnyvtsi Lyceum Oxana Kurlova.

Local schools received a large amount of sports equipment and balls for football events, volunteers were equipped, and each child who participated in the festival received a project T-shirt and a participant certificate as a gift.

Photo by KOAF

All events of the project are held in regions with the approval of oblast military administrations.

The Ukrainian Association of Football, supported by Common Goal and the Association of Cross-Cultural Projects (Denmark), continues the "Open Football Lessons" project which includes:

— psycho-social support for children from internally displaced families, children of military personnel, and children affected by war;

— uniting and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;

— an inclusive environment, engaging participants regardless of ability level or gender, as well as the participation of children with special educational needs;

— acquiring knowledge about safety in wartime conditions;

— philosophy of mass football — joy from playing rather than results at any cost;

— fostering a healthy lifestyle;

— developing volunteerism;

— activating local communities through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local government, patrons and others).