On September 27 at the NTU named after V. Bannikov in Kyiv, a children's festival «Open Football Lessons», dedicated to UEFA Mass Football Week, took place. This became a special event for children from various corners of Ukraine, aimed not only at bringing joy through play but also serving as a platform for social support and integration of war-affected children, children of military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and internally displaced children.

The main goal of the festival is to create an atmosphere of friendship, support, and unity through football, regardless of participants' abilities or gender.

Social Mission of the Project

The «Open Football Lessons» project by the Ukrainian Association of Football has a special mission to support children who have suffered war injuries and promote their social integration through sports. Football festivals become centers of unity for children, helping them find friends, overcome psychological barriers, and build self-confidence.

Photo: Dan Balashov

In addition to football activities, children had the opportunity to participate in various master classes and interactive games prepared by volunteers. Six locations on the football field became spaces for fun activities where children learned not only how to play football but also how to cooperate, communicate, and help each other.

Official Opening and Support from UAF

The festival was officially opened by Oleksandr Kadchenko, Deputy Chairman of the Development Committee of the Ukrainian Association of Football, who also presented gifts to participating schools: footballs, sports equipment, t-shirts, and souvenirs. This gesture of support from UAF symbolizes the importance of sport in developing youth and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Photo: Dan Balashov

«This project is being implemented within the UEFA Mass Football Week, and similar events are taking place in many of our regions. I wish you to forget as soon as possible all the bad things happening in your life and spend as much time as possible on football fields with a football.»

«I would like to thank your teachers, your caregivers for looking after you, being by your side. And I wish you all to live each day with a smile. All the best, good health and fun games, good mood!»— said Oleksandr Kadchenko.

Photo: Dan Balashov

After the official opening, a joint warm-up took place with musical accompaniment, followed by interesting activities at each location. Each training session lasted about 15-20 minutes, and then participants moved to the next location upon signal from the instructor, continuing to explore the world of football through play.

Football for All, Regardless of Circumstances

The uniqueness of the festival lies in its inclusiveness. Children from various regions of Ukraine participate regardless of their physical abilities or social status. The festival also pays attention to important aspects of safety during wartime, providing children and parents with knowledge about mine danger and other challenges they may face.

Photo: Dan Balashov

This is not just a sports event — it's a platform for social interaction, inclusion, and support where every child feels part of a big football family. Football fields become places of unity and mutual understanding, where children can find not only joy in play but also friends, support, and self-confidence.

After completing all activities and fun transitions between locations, the festival concluded with diplomas being awarded to each participant.

The «Open Football Lessons» project continues to unite children and adults, helping them overcome war consequences and find support in sports. UEFA Mass Football Week is more than just a game; it's an investment in the future generation that learns to be strong, friendly, and brave despite all challenges.