"Open Football Lessons" arrived in Rivne Oblast

In the city of Dubno at the «Spartak» stadium, the «Open Football Lessons» festival took place.

"Open Football Lessons" arrived in Rivne Oblast

Photo ROAF

The festival "Open Football Lessons" took place at the Spartak stadium in Dubno. Seventy-two children participated, including those with special educational needs and children of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

During the event, organized by the Ukrainian Football Association together with the Rivne Regional Football Association and the Dubno City Council, the children played various ball games, competed in relay races, received psychological support from professionals, and learned about mine safety from representatives of the National Police.

Photo RROA

"The preparatory stage began in summer after volunteers took part in a training seminar. We can now confirm that the festival was fun, educational, and beneficial for the children, with all rules and norms of mass sports events observed. In the future, we plan to expand the project's geography and aim to reach every corner of our region," — shared his impressions Taras Kyr'ianchuk, regional coordinator of the project from the Rivne Regional Football Association.

Photo RROA

All participants, regardless of gender and skill level, including children with special educational needs, received positive emotions during the event.

Photo RROA

The festival was opened together with Taras Kyr'ianchuk by the secretary of the Dubno City Council Viktor Nedashkovsky, head of the youth and sports department of the Dubno City Council Olga Kobilyanska, and chairman of the Dubno City Football Association Andriy Volinsky. They wished participants unforgettable impressions, to find new friends, and our country — victory!

Photo RROA

The Ukrainian Football Association's project "Open Football Lessons" (Open Fun Football Schools) supported by UEFA is:

— psychological and social support for children of the Armed Forces, IDP children, and those affected by the war;

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

— an inclusive environment where participants are included regardless of their skill level or gender, as well as participation by children with special educational needs;

— knowledge about safety in wartime conditions;

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

— fostering a healthy lifestyle;

— development of volunteering;

— activation of local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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