The first S-licence refresher coaching course for Ukraine, which includes components on the risk of Explosive Ordnance Remnants (EORE) education for the first time, has commenced.

This hybrid educational initiative will kick off the next cycle of the mass football development/EORE program to be conducted by Spirit of Soccer instructors for candidates of this course. Spirit of Soccer uses football to educate those living in conflict and post-conflict areas about landmine dangers and other explosive remnants of war.

Photo by Olga Vladimirova

Through its program, Spirit of Soccer aims to inform the population about risks associated with explosive ordnance and increase community resilience to the consequences of war in several regions of Ukraine. Expanding the program reflects the project's desire to meet the needs of communities at risk across the country.

This educational program is significant for children’s, youth, and mass football coaches as it provides them with the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively implement EORE in their coaching context. By integrating EORE into existing coaching courses, Spirit of Soccer ensures that coaches acquire the knowledge and skills needed for further effective and successful work.

Photo by Olga Vladimirova

The Spirit of Soccer Ukraine project is particularly important in light of the widespread presence of highly sensitive cassette artillery shells that can explode from even slight contact. Therefore, further dissemination of the EORE program helps inform football coaches and players about this threat and help them assist others.

Photo by Olga Vladimirova

The two-stage educational process involves a structured approach and comprehensive instructions and support for coaches. In the first stage, which took place this week in the outskirts of Kyiv, 13 coaches who are already participants of the Spirit of Soccer Ukraine program, as well as coaches from three new regions (Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv) — a total of 21 participants — were involved.

The educational program was taught by international and Ukrainian experts — international coordinator and training expert Gennadiy Skurtul, Moldovan Football Federation Development Manager Oleg Molchanov, Spirit of Soccer Ukraine instructor Bohdan Hordiienko. We also express gratitude to the Sports Technical Department of the Ukrainian Association of Football and UEFA technical expert and UAF curator Dariusz Pasiec for their support.

Photo by Olga Vladimirova

The final practical session was personally visited by a member of the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Association of Football and the Amateur Football Association of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kadenco, who presented footballs and gifts to children participating in the concluding training sessions from UAF and AAFU.

Throughout the intensive program, participants familiarized themselves with the methodology for using EORE rules in football training. This demonstrates the continuous comprehensive development of the project's coaching team and dissemination of current expert information to new regions. By dividing the training into stages, the project can provide attention and personalized support to each coach, maximizing the overall effectiveness of the educational program. The second stage of the course will cover coaches from three new regions — a total of 22 participants.

Photo by Olga Vladimirova

Thanks to international cooperation, Spirit of Soccer Ukraine continues to work on the sports front and implement a shared goal — ensuring the life of every child and the safety of every family. The project is implemented in Ukraine with support from the U.S. Department of State and is one of the programs aimed at reducing the potential consequences of dangerous and illegally disseminated military weapons in civilian environments.