In 2023, the "Inclusive Football Sections" project of the Ukrainian Football Association was implemented in Vinnytsia, based at a local specialized school for children with intellectual disabilities (director — Svitlana Marchuk).

Coordinators Oleksandr Sydoruk from the Vinnytsia Oblast Football Association and trainer Vyacheslav Chernysh, who underwent special training by the UFA, organized activities for children born in 2007-2011.

Photo: VOAF

The director of the institution, Svitlana Marchuk, noted: "These activities contribute to strengthening health, correcting motor activity, fostering interest and engagement in sports among students, particularly football. It is very important that they improve the psychoemotional state of children. Thanks to the Ukrainian Football Association, the communal facility and the children received football uniforms, balls, and other sporting equipment."

Photo: VOAF

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

— to improve the psychoemotional 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 the potential of children;

— 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 UFA, these sections are equipped with children's football uniforms, balls, and necessary sporting equipment.