A football festival based on the Ukrainian Football Association's project "Open Football Lessons" took place in Poltava. On the "Youth" stadium, 72 young participants engaged in activities across six locations.

The events aimed to provide psychological support to children amid war conditions and assist child evacuees. Participants learned how to use a speed parachute, handled landmines while playing with the ball, scored goals into "unmarked" nets, played "fish," performed jumps on a coordination ladder, pulled ropes, and played football in teams of 6x6.

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As an additional bonus for educational institutions participating in the event, they received sports equipment from the UFA and the Poltava Football Association, which will remain available for future football needs during training sessions and other mass sporting events. All participants of the event received t-shirts with the logo of the football festival.

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The implementation of the "Open Football Lessons" project was made possible thanks to the resilience and selflessness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We thank our defenders for the opportunity to learn, develop, and realize our plans in life,” — stated local volunteer leader Dmytro Fomenko.

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

• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, IDP children, and war-affected children;
• uniting and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment, participants regardless of ability level 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 instead of results at any cost;
• nurturing a healthy lifestyle;
• fostering volunteerism;
• activating local communities through cross-sector 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.