The event was organized under the auspices of the Ukrainian Football Association and in close cooperation with the Khmelnytsky Oblast Football Association, Starosynyiv City Council, education department, DYSKSH (District Youth Sports School), and local precinct police.

Photo by HOAF

The event began with an opening speech by the deputy head of the Khmelnytsky Oblast Football Association, Mykola Kuznetsov, who highlighted the importance of this project and wished participants good health and only positive emotions from this activity.

Photo by HOAF

The activities were held at six locations: "Safety Square," "Psychologist's Square," "Relay Square," "Football," "Target Practice Square," and "Coordination Square." The sessions in the squares were conducted by young leaders and volunteers from the local youth football hub of the project, precinct officers of the community who underwent practical and theoretical training.

Photo by HOAF

At the beginning of the event, all participants had a fun warm-up in the squares. A notable feature was that transitions between squares were done in an original way designed by each group of students.

Upon completion of the festival, all children received diplomas, football shirts, baseball caps, and treats, but most importantly, they gained positive emotions.

Photo by HOAF

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

• psychosocial support for children of Armed Forces of Ukraine soldiers, IDP (internally displaced persons) children, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where participants are involved regardless of their abilities, gender, as well as the inclusion of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football — joy from playing instead of results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• fostering volunteerism;
• activating local communities through cross-sector networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, security experts, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

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