The UAF team created this project with the goal of providing psychosocial support to children affected by war, children of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers, and displaced children from regions where active combat operations are taking place.

Today, over 100 children gathered at one of the House of Football stadiums to spend time engaging in fun football activities.

Photos by Vlad Yatsenko

"The International Day for Protection of Children was initiated in 1949 due to the large number of children who lost their parents and homes after World War II. There was a need to preserve the health and well-being of these children. Ukraine is now experiencing the same, our children are losing loved ones, their home, and their right to a happy and carefree childhood. The mission of the association is to help and support these children; we strive to create for them the best possible childhood that each one deserves. That's why today we spend time with them playing football—a sport that unites the most people,"—welcomed the children and their parents at the event First Vice President of UAF Pavlo Boychuk.

Photos by Vlad Yatsenko

Young sportsmen did not just play football. Coaches of the project developed a whole complex of developmental intellectual exercises and games aimed at the physical and psychological development of children, their adaptation and socialization in teams.

No one went home empty-handed—tired but happy, the children left to rest with gifts from the association. Each participant received a ball they played with as well as sports gear.

Photos by Vlad Yatsenko

"This project is more than just football. We added important components for the development of each child, psychological and social aspects. The complexes of exercises from our coaches help children unite, learn to work in a team, while interactive games develop logical thinking in them. In this way, we aim to distract children from war traumas and give them positive emotions. This is also important for the development of Ukrainian football—perhaps among them grows our future star. The children left satisfied, and that's what matters most to our team!"—shared his impressions from the event manager of youth football programs department at UAF Mariian Yaskev.

Photos by Vlad Yatsenko

We remind you that the "Open Football Lessons" project is being implemented in 20 regions of Ukraine. Football festivals have already united 22 communities from different corners of Ukraine, over 2,000 children and 300 volunteers. The football field becomes a center for uniting people from various walks of life due to their love for football.

"Open Football Lessons" is about the unity and friendship of war-affected children with local children through playing football; about an inclusive environment where participants can take part in activities regardless of ability level or gender; about the philosophy of mass football—enjoying the game for its own sake rather than at any cost for results; about nurturing a healthy lifestyle.

Photos by Vlad Yatsenko

The project attracts interest and involves, in addition to children and their parents, teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, youth leaders, local authorities, and benefactors.