On September 20th in the village of Usatove, "Open Football Festivals" took place, organized with the support of the Ukrainian Football Association and the Odesa Oblast Football Association.

Photo by OOFA

Welcoming remarks were given to the participants by Yuriy Makoveychuk, head of the Usatove village council, and Anatoliy Kolomiets, executive director of OOFA. They emphasized the importance of developing children's sports and encouraging youth to lead an active lifestyle.

Photo by OOFA

Young athletes had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at themed locations. Here they trained on accuracy and endurance. Special attention was drawn to a master class from rescuers of DSNSS, where children were shown the basics of first aid and told about mine safety rules.

Photo by OOFA

The celebration culminated in a solemn awarding of diplomas. Each child received an emblem signed by the president of UAF, Andriy Shevchenko, and a commemorative football jersey, which became a pleasant gift and symbol of participation in the festival.

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

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military servicemen of the Armed Forces, children of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and children affected by war;
• unity and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• an inclusive environment where everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• knowledge of safety in wartime conditions;
• the philosophy of mass football - joy from the game 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, safety experts, parents, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).