This year's cycle of the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project, implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association and the Rivne Oblast Football Association, was realized in the village of Perebrodi in the Sarny district of Rivne region.

Training sessions were successfully conducted at the Perebroidivsky Lyceum by project coaches Mykola Yakunets and Oksana Chmunevych, who underwent prior training from the UAF.

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"In fact, girls' football at our lyceum is very popular and developing fruitfully. We are regular participants in all competitions held within the region, as well as we take part in all-Ukrainian tournaments. Previously, our girls got acquainted with football starting from 5th grade; this project allows us to instill love for the favorite game at the youngest age when it is most important, laying a certain foundation that will ensure good results in the future," — Mykola Yakunets said.

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"First of all, I would like to thank Mykola Yakunets and Oksana Chmunevych for their fruitful work. We cooperate closely with them; they and their students are regular participants in competitions, last year even the youngest ones took part in all-Ukrainian festivals U-9, U-11. I also want to express my gratitude to the UAF, which provides an opportunity to develop this project in our region," — Oleg Kucher, head of the Rivne OAAF, noted.

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"As a mother, I am very pleased that my Nastya attends the classes because she has become more physically developed and there is also noticeable positive emotional state which is very important in our difficult time," — Irina Mykolayivna, mother of one of the participants, noted.

The girls shared their impressions. Here's what Ulyana Y. said: "I really like football, I come to classes with great pleasure. We first watched a Disney cartoon and then on the playground we imitate the movements of the heroes, perform various tasks they have, spend time happily. Older girls from our school regularly win prizes at competitions, so I also want to be like them."

Photo ROAFC

Goals of the UEFA PLAYMAKERS program, which is implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association:

• to introduce girls to football by creating an environment for them where fun, friends and football are in focus;
• to implement a new individual coaching approach that uses imagination (inspired by Disney stories and characters) as a tool for training and acquiring football skills;
• to refine girls' life skills, basic movement skills, and teach them the basics of football to foster lifelong interest in the sport.