The latest cycle of the Ukrainian Football Association and Chernihiv Oblast Football Association project "Inclusive Football Sections" has been completed in Chernihiv, based at school № 35. The project's coach is a well-known teacher and instructor for projects of the UFA, Tetiana Djuman.

She shared her thoughts on the cycle of classes held in Chernihiv: "In our reality, children with special educational needs face many obstacles on their path to fulfilling important life needs such as socializing and healthy communication. That's why activities in 'Inclusive Football Sections' can help with socialization, strengthen health, develop certain essential qualities for life, football skills, coordination of movements, communication skills, adding bright colors and positive emotions."

Photo by COFA

Our classes start with running, warming up, which plays a crucial role in the subsequent training process. The next stage involves exercises for mastering the ball and coordination, where we use balance beams, barriers, rings. Then we work on stops, passes, and kicks. But what children love most is playing football itself, where they feel like real football players. Children come to classes with great satisfaction.

We are grateful to all the organizers of the project who help bring it to life for children with special educational needs. The children are happy and satisfied, which is the most important thing. Glory to Ukraine!"

The father of participant Konstantin L., notes: "This is something new for us. When we learned that this project was launched at our school № 35, we agreed to participate in it. I can confidently say that the classes conducted by our coaches help my son strengthen his health and develop football skills. But most importantly - he has learned to communicate with other children. He now has a friend named Artem. They talk and play outside of class.

Photo by COFA

I want to thank our coaches, they are teachers sent from God. Their communication with children and love for them knows no bounds. The classes are interesting and diverse. They pour their hearts into the children. Children love the classes and adore the coaches. My son is my joy. He's happy - so is our whole family. We are very grateful for such a wonderful project for children with special educational needs!"

And here’s how regional coordinator Anatoliy Svystun from COFA characterizes the project: "Football is the most popular game in Ukraine, and access to it should be equal for all. Considering this, it's only fair not to forget about children with special educational needs who see their place in this process in their dreams.

It’s quite difficult to reach such children, so professionals with experience working with them are needed to effectively convey information and give them the opportunity to try themselves out in football. Given all these components, the importance, responsibility, and necessity of dealing with these issues can never be overstated.

Photo by COFA

This is a difficult but necessary process that must continue, training new professionals to involve more children who want to play football."

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

• 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;
• Bring together children and adults, regardless of physical or mental development characteristics;
• Motivate mass football for all children, 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 UFA, sections are provided with children's football uniforms, balls, and necessary sports equipment.