Towards the end of last year, the Lviv Football Association and Buzhka Organization of People with Disabilities joined a social project by the Ukrainian Football Association, opening two inclusive football sections. Each section has already completed its first cycle of 20 sessions.

Coaches Ivan Tomkiv, Oksana Shyshka, and volunteers Lyudmila Skrypinets and Natalia Vorobyova are trying to help children socialize through sports during this difficult time, acquire new skills, make friends with each other, and gain positive emotions.

Photo by LAF

Thanks to the joint organization of the project by the Ukrainian Football Association, the education, culture, youth and sports department of Buzhka City Council, the sport-rehabilitation club "Victoria", the inclusive-resource center of Buzhka community, and the local DYSK, nearly 40 children with special educational needs from Buzhka and neighboring communities have the opportunity to feel happy playing football and participating in various games and exercises with elements of football.

Sports equipment provided by UAF, transportation to training sessions thanks to the education department of the local community, a sports base at Buzhka DYSK, and sweet treats after each session from the local authorities bring joy and happiness to the children's faces.

Photo by LAF

“We continue to involve children with disabilities in football to unite children and adults, regardless of physical or mental development,” noted Ivan Tomkiv.

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

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

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

— to provide access to inclusive sports activities;

— to reveal children's potential;

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

Inclusive football sections for children with special educational needs are being opened in 21 communities across Ukraine. Thanks to UAF, the sections are equipped with football uniforms for children, balls, and necessary sports equipment.