This year, for the first time as part of UEFA's continuous development program, free training is being conducted by the UAF for internally displaced persons under the C-license program. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with the UN Agency for Refugees and with a UEFA grant to support refugees.

The UEFA C-License program provides qualified training according to UEFA requirements for coaches and enhances the knowledge, skills, and qualifications of coaches working with children's and amateur teams.

Photo courtesy of UAF

Training that began in September this year includes a theoretical block and a practical part, which involves working with children.

One of the participants, Vladyslav, notes: "I really like the training process, working in small groups. In such an interaction format, communication skills are developed. The lectures by speakers are very accessible and understandable. Sometimes there may be difficulties due to the volume of material, but that's even better."

During the recruitment of participants for the program, which was carried out jointly by UAF and the UN Agency for Refugees, an emphasis was also placed on involving as many women as possible in the training process.

Photo courtesy of UAF

"The impressions are great, I like the quality of information delivery, the approach to participants, the lecturers themselves — they are wonderful experts who share their knowledge accessibly!"

Regarding difficulties, training is not easy, and if it were easy, then it wouldn't be training.

Considering my love for football, even if life doesn't connect me with coaching, the information I receive will definitely come in handy on any path. However, I do have plans to become a coach. I have an intense desire to put into practice the knowledge I've already gained and that which I'll gain working with children!" — comments one of the program participants, Regina.

Photo courtesy of UAF

It is also planned to acquaint listeners with the functioning of an active football club, where they will be given a tour and details about working with children's teams. Within the program, one of the sessions is scheduled for a visit to the football club "YUKSA" (village of Tarasivka, Kyiv region).

By December, candidates who successfully pass the exams will receive a UEFA C-license.

"As part of continuous development, supporting internally displaced persons and those affected by war is one of the priorities of UAF's activities. This year, together with our partners — the UN Agency for Refugees and the charitable foundation 'Rokada' — we organized the first tournament 'Ukrainian Unity Cup', which aims to highlight the role of football as a unique and powerful tool that unites people, supports physical and mental health, and integrates forcibly displaced persons into receiving communities. Eight teams participated in the tournament, formed from boys and girls who live in their settlements and have become internally displaced persons. This tournament was organized on the model of UEFA's Euro Unity Cup initiative by the UN Agency for Refugees. Such initiatives as tournaments and free training for IDPs will continue to be implemented by UAF. And already in December, we hope that all participants will receive a license and will be able to implement their acquired knowledge in working with children," — comments First Vice President of UAF Vadim Kostyuchenko.