The social project of the Ukrainian Football Association and the Rivne Oblast Football Association "Inclusive Football Sections" is successfully being implemented in Rivne at the local gymnasium "College."

"Classes are held at the school in mixed groups. Boys and girls aged 6 to 9 years old participate with pleasure, — said the coach and project coordinator from ROAF Oleksandr Hily. — In our reality, children with special educational needs or disabilities may face many obstacles on their way to fulfilling important life needs in socializing with peers and healthy communication. Sports can help overcome these obstacles. Football is particularly well-suited for this."

Photo ROAF

I liked the idea and project, so I decided to personally participate in it and organize a group in our city. It was possible to find understanding and receive support from the gymnasium "College" administration, which provided access to an artificial turf field.

The implementation of this project is first and foremost positive emotions for children and development of important qualities for their life — coordination, communication skills, and many others."

"It pleases me that the project finds a warm response from teachers, parents, and children. Everyone comes to open training sessions with great satisfaction, support children with advice and encouragement, help in organization. I believe this is very important," — teacher and volunteer Oleg Levenets commented on the implementation of the project.

"Sports help children with special educational needs (and not only) strengthen their health. If we talk about football, it's a team sport. And teams, in addition to physical activity, provide communication," — said Oleh Kucher, head of the Rivne Oblast Football Association.

Photo ROAF

"As a mother of one of the participants, I want to sincerely thank the project authors and those who implement it for giving my child the opportunity to feel like everyone else...," — noted Anna L., mother of young participant Veronika.

"I really like football. Always wanted to be able to play, but I couldn't. After section training, I can say: I can! I can play football!" — emphasized one of the participants, Bohdan G.

Photo ROAF

Main goals of the project: UFA:

— improve the psychoemotional and physical state of children with disabilities and special educational needs through their involvement in physical activities of the project and socialization;

— change society's attitude towards people with disabilities and children with special educational needs;

— provide access to inclusive sports training;

— unlock the potential of children;

— unite children and adults regardless of physical or mental development characteristics;

— motivate all children, regardless of abilities, gender, social issues in mass football;

— activate local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, parents, youth leaders, local government, patrons, etc.).

Thanks to UFA, the sections are provided with children's football uniforms, balls, and necessary sports equipment.