Zboriv became the second center of the UEFA PLAYMAKERS project in Ternopil region, where another cycle of training sessions successfully concluded. The trainings took place at the local gymnasium named after R. Zavadovych under the guidance of coaches Igor Kozovik and Oksana Pankiv.

“It’s very pleasant that for the second year in a row, the UEFA PLAYMAKERS program helps to instill love for football among girls in our city. Over this time, there has been noticeable progress in all children both physically and technically as well as in understanding the game. Thank you to the organizers for such a useful program. We are glad that we have the opportunity to participate in it,” — noted Igor Kozovik.

Photo by AFT

Parents of young football players also highly appreciate the project. “My child attends the sessions with great pleasure, as thanks to the UEFA PLAYMAKERS program she has fallen in love with football. It helps her not only physically develop but also find new friends and participate in interesting competitions. Thank you Ukrainian Football Association for this opportunity for our children to grow and improve!” — shared Polina P.’s mother.

First Deputy Head of the Ternopil Football Association, Vasyl Zatorskyi emphasized the importance of the initiative: “This year in our region two centers are participating in the UEFA PLAYMAKERS program — in Ternopil and Zboriv. As a football association, we always support the development of girls' football, so we are very glad that many participants are involved in this project. I believe that some of them will become players of our national team and glorify Ukraine on an international stage in the future.”

Photo by AFT

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

• to introduce girls to football, creating an environment where fun, friends and football are at the center;
• 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 love for the sport.