A true sports festival took place in the Podillya community — the "Open Football Lessons" festival within a project implemented by the Ukrainian Association of Football with support from international partners across the country.

The sports event was attended by honored guests: Deputy Head of the Podillya City Council Lyudmila Zadorozhna, Chairman of the Podillya District Council Mykola Sokolov, and Chairman of the Football Federation of Podillya Dmytro Sergenchuk.

The "Open Football Lessons" festival aims to popularize football among children and youth through an interactive and fun learning format. During the event, children participated in a series of football games and training sessions aimed at developing basic ball-handling skills, coordination, and teamwork.

Photo UAAF

This format of lessons not only allowed participants to hone their sports skills but also instilled important life values such as teamwork, support for one another, honesty, and mutual respect.

The event was marked by an exceptionally friendly atmosphere: laughter and joy prevailed on the football field, with children forgetting about any competition and freely playing together with satisfaction, receiving genuine emotions. Various football exercises were conducted by professional coaches who interactively explained the basics of football technique and tactics, engaging participants in dynamic games.

Photo UAAF

Throughout the event, representatives from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine, and emergency medical services were present, adding a practical aspect to the occasion.

Photo UAAF

The representatives conducted informational master classes, talked about the specifics of their work and demonstrated what they use in their job. They also informed participants about safety rules during emergencies, first aid, and action algorithms in case of threats. These important knowledge and skills demonstrated on-site not only broadened general awareness but also highlighted the importance of cooperation among all services to ensure citizens' security.

Photo UAAF

The event, in which 72 children participated, left warm memories and became a bright example of how important it is to support a healthy lifestyle, engage youth in sports, and develop teamwork spirit. The support from the Ukrainian Association of Football and active involvement of volunteers and educators demonstrated that the development of physical culture and healthy values in society is a collective effort capable of uniting communities around important ideas and inspiring new achievements.

Photo UAAF

The project by the Ukrainian Association of Football and regional associations "Open Football Lessons," supported by the New Democracy Fund (NDF), Cross-Cultural Projects Association (CCPA) from Denmark, and UEFA:

• provides psychosocial support to children of military personnel, IDPs, and war-affected children;
• unites and fosters friendship between IDP children and local children, promoting social integration;
• creates an inclusive environment where participants are independent of skill level, gender, as well as the inclusion of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• the philosophy of mass football — joy from playing rather than results at any cost;
• cultivation of a healthy lifestyle;
• development of volunteering;
• activation of local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

All project events are held in regions with the approval of regional military administrations.