More than 70 schoolchildren aged between six and fifteen from Lviv, Biryukiv, Mykolashiv, and Pikulivychi, including children of military servicemen, children of internally displaced persons (IDPs), children with special educational needs, and children from large families, participated in the festival within the framework of the Ukrainian Football Association and Lviv Football Association project "Open Football Lessons."

This sports and social event was organized on the «Progress» stadium in the city of Lviv by the Lviv Football Association together with leaders of the local youth football hub project.

Photo LAF

Representatives of LAF, along with young volunteers and physical education teachers, conducted fun developmental and educational games, football exercises, and relays for the children in special squares using balls and various sports equipment.

The event was closely monitored by First Deputy Chairman of LAF Stepan Poniaidi.

Photo LAF

All participants of the "Open Football Lessons" not only received a dose of health and positivity but also gifts from organizers and partners, exclusive diplomas, t-shirts, and baseball caps.

Photo LAF

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

• psychosocial support for children of Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen, IDP 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 or gender, as well as the participation of children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football — joy from playing rather than results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• fostering volunteerism;
• activating 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.