In Shpolia, located in Cherkasy Oblast, a cycle of sessions for the "Inclusive Football Sections" project, initiated by the Ukrainian Association of Football and the Cherkasy Regional Football Association, concluded at the Shpolia District Children's Sports School. Coaches Oksana Khapatyko and Serhiy Trokhymets created an atmosphere of support, motivation, and friendship during the sessions.

Photo by Cherkasy Regional Football Association

Oksana Khapatyko shares her impressions: "This project has truly been an inspiration for all of us! We saw how football can change lives, bring joy to children, boost their confidence and give them new friends. The most valuable thing is the sincere emotions and progress of each child. This was an incredible period filled with new acquaintances, achievements, and bright emotions."

Our participants are true champions! They showed that football unites, develops, and brings joy regardless of physical abilities.

Photo by Cherkasy Regional Football Association

Main results of the project:

— Children with disabilities and special educational needs had the opportunity to play football, strengthen their health and socialize;

— Participants discovered new possibilities for themselves, overcame fears, and became more confident;

— Together we are changing society's attitude towards inclusion in sports.

Photo by Cherkasy Regional Football Association

Each training session is not just a game, but a step towards overcoming barriers, self-development and mutual support. I am grateful to all the children, parents, and project team for this incredible journey. I hope that such initiatives will become part of our sports culture, and more and more children will have access to football classes regardless of circumstances.

Photo by Cherkasy Regional Football Association

Oleksandr Kochergin, Deputy Chairman of the Cherkasy Regional Football Association: "Inclusive football is not just a sport but an opportunity for every child to feel support, joy in play and confidence in their abilities. We are proud that this project was implemented in Shpolia as it represents an important step towards developing accessible football in Cherkasy Oblast. Thank you to the coaches, participants, parents, and everyone who supported this initiative. This is another proof that football is a game for all, without barriers or limitations! We believe that such programs will expand further, and more children will be able to join football and an active lifestyle."

Ilana, project participant: "I really enjoyed playing football! We ran a lot, learned new exercises, scored goals. I was happiest when we played together as one team. Now I have made new friends, and I want to continue with football!"

Photo by Cherkasy Regional Football Association

Ilana's mother Marina: "This section was a real discovery for us. I saw how my daughter eagerly awaited each training session, becoming more confident and happier. She didn't just play football; she developed, communicated, learned to work as part of a team. Thank you to all the organizers and coaches for this opportunity! Inclusive football truly changes children's lives and helps them feel like part of a big sports family."

And final words from Oksana Khapatyko: "Thank you to everyone who joined in this initiative! This is just the beginning, and we are confident that inclusive football in Shpolia will continue to develop further!"

Photo by Cherkasy Regional Football Association

Main goals of the UAF "Inclusive Football Sections" project:

— Improve the psycho-emotional and physical state of children with disabilities and special educational needs through their involvement in physical activities of the project and socialization;

— Change society's attitude towards people with disabilities and children with special educational needs;

— Provide access to inclusive sports classes;

— Unleash children's potential;

— Unite children and adults regardless of physical or mental development characteristics;

— Motivate all children in mass football, regardless of abilities, gender, social issues;

— Activate local communities through intersectoral networks (teachers, coaches, psychologists, parents, youth leaders, local authorities, patrons, etc.).

Thanks to the UAF, sections are provided with children's football kits, balls and necessary sports equipment.