A wonderful football event for communication and establishing friendly connections among children took place on May 21 at the local stadium "Hat-Trick Arena" with the support of the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association.

Photo by IFOAF

The event was attended by consultant of the Center for Professional Development of Educational Workers at the Department of Education and Science of Ivano-Frankivsk City Council, Iryna Polyik.

Participants included 72 children, including those with special educational needs, children of internally displaced persons, children deprived of parental care, and children of military personnel.

Photo by IFOAF

As tradition dictates, the event began with an opening ceremony under the Ukrainian National Anthem. A moment of silence was observed in memory of all heroes of Ukraine who gave their lives for our country's future. After the solemn part, the stadium was completely handed over to the children.

Photo by IFOAF

The festival started with a dynamic warm-up. Then, teams dispersed into sectors that the football field was divided into. Everyone had the opportunity to rotate through each sector under the guidance of volunteer instructors. Performing various special exercises turned the event into a large-scale physical and sports activity, and the smiles on children's faces became the best reward for everyone involved in its organization.

Photo by IFOAF

Participants of the football celebration received unforgettable impressions and experiences. And also—joy from playing.

At the end, each child received an exclusive t-shirt from the UAF.

Photo by IFOAF

The "Open Football Festivals" project of the Ukrainian Association of Football is:

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of ZSU military personnel, IDP children, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children and local children, social integration;
• inclusive environment where everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• knowledge of safety in wartime conditions;
• philosophy of mass football—joy from playing instead of results at any cost;
• cultivation of a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteer development;
• activation of local communities through cross-sectoral networks (youth leaders, teachers, coaches, psychologists, security experts, parents, local authorities, patrons, etc.).