The "Inclusive Football Sections" project of the Ukrainian Football Association is being implemented in Volyn, in Lviv, at the Lviv Educational-Rehabilitation Center.

The coordinator of the project from the Volyn Football Association, Vasyl Kozhanovskyi, and the project's trainer Illia Pustovit, who completed special training with the UFA, organized activities for children.

The coach himself notes: "In my section, 12 children with disabilities are participating. Love for football unites both girls and boys who train regardless of their different diagnoses."

Photo by AFAV

During the sessions, participants improve their physical fitness through running and warm-up exercises. Interesting football relay races develop coordination of movements, agility, team spirit, and endurance.

Dmytro Shadlovskyi has been participating in this section on a regular basis since 2023. In addition to our sessions, he started attending FC "Adrenaline," where he participates in city and regional competitions. Dmytro also took part in the "Leather Ball" competitions organized by the Lviv City Center "Sport for All."

Photo by AFAV

Children learn to play football with joy and enthusiasm, and they compete with great zeal. Playing football helps them think better, develop, and socialize.

Through the Mass Football Charter of UEFA, the Ukrainian Football Association 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 in Ukraine;

— to provide access to inclusive sports activities;

— to unlock children's potential;

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

Inclusive football sections, which are open to 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 sports equipment.