October 17-21 in Chernivtsi, a training course for the retraining of coaches to obtain UEFA C-license was held, which includes components related to the risk of using explosive ordnance (EORE).

The practical-methodical seminar gathered coaches from Dnipro, Chernihiv and Mykolaiv. Additionally, new participants included attendees of previous courses – coaches from Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chernivtsi regions.

Photo by Olena Lukyshova

We remind you that the hybrid training program for obtaining a C-category coaching diploma with EORE elements began its work in Ukraine last year thanks to support from our international partners – the U.S. Department of State and the organization Spirit of Soccer, as well as cooperation between the Ukrainian Amateur Football Association and the Ukrainian Football Association.

Photo by Olena Lukyshova

With its program, Spirit of Soccer covers several regions in Ukraine that were most affected by Russia's military aggression with the aim of informing the population about risks associated with explosive ordnance and increasing community resilience to the consequences of war actions. The expansion of the program reflects the project’s desire to meet the needs of communities at risk across all of Ukraine.

Photo by Olena Lukyshova

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

Photo by Olena Lukyshova

The training process for obtaining a UEFA C-license with EORE elements includes a structured approach and provision of comprehensive instructions and support to coaches. International and Ukrainian experts are involved in the teaching, including Scott Lee, founder of Spirit of Soccer; Gennadiy Skurtul, international coordinator and expert on coaching education at Spirit of Soccer; Oleg Molchanov, development manager for the Football Federation of Moldova; and Bogdan Horodnyuk, instructor with Spirit of Soccer Ukraine. We also express gratitude to the sports technical department of the Ukrainian Football Association and UEFA Technical Expert and UAF Curator Dariusz Pasiec.

Photo by Olena Lukyshova

During the training course, participants familiarized themselves with innovations in working with young football players and methods of using EORE rules in football training. Lectures on technical-tactical player preparation, specifics, and current trends in coaching education and practical activities complemented previously acquired knowledge.

Photo by Olena Lukyshova

The coaches reinforced their gained knowledge and skills at the final festival, which took place on the "Bukovina" stadium and gathered around 70 local young football players of different ages. The children and teenagers, including girls, enthusiastically received game exercises with key EORE messages ("Stay back!", "Don't touch!", "Report!", "Communicate!"), carefully followed coaches' recommendations, and as a pleasant bonus – they received memorable gifts from Spirit of Soccer.

Photo by Olena Lukyshova

This demonstrates the continuous comprehensive development of the coaching team and dissemination of relevant expert information to new regions. Thanks to dividing training into stages, the project can provide attention and personalized support to each coach, maximizing the overall effectiveness of the training program.

Spirit of Soccer Ukraine continues to work on the sports front and implement a shared goal – preserving the life of every child and safety of every family!