The National Project "Open Football Festivals," implemented by the Ukrainian Association of Football in partnership with Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science, is successfully contributing to the development of mass children’s football across the country. The latest event within this project took place in Kudryvtsi, at one of Chernihiv region's best stadiums.

Photo by CHOAF

The festival brought together 72 children from the villages of Spasivka and Kudryvtsi, including children of military servicemen and IDPs from temporarily occupied territories. They received a true sports celebration with football, cheerleading, fun relays, and contests. As a memento for this event that not only provided emotions but also valuable football skills, all participants received branded t-shirts, while winners at each location were awarded memorable gifts by the Chernihiv Regional Football Association.

Photo by CHOAF

In turn, educational institutions received balls and modern sports equipment from the organizers that will be useful for future football classes.

Photo by CHOAF

Among the guests were First Deputy Head of the Chernihiv Regional Football Association Serhiy Datsenko, Deputy Head of CHOAF and regional manager for UAF festival organization Anatoliy Svystun, Head of Sosnivka TPS Andrii Portnyi, and regional manager of "Open Football Festivals" Tetiana Zhuman. In their addresses to the participants, they highlighted the high level of organization and the importance of the social component of the project that unites children of different ages around a million people's game. They also conveyed greetings from CHOAF Head Roman Solodarenko, who constantly emphasizes: his main focus is the development of children’s and youth football in Chernihiv region.

Photo by CHOAF

A special buzz was caused by the arrival of a distinguished guest—alumnus of Chernihiv football, former player of "Desna," and now—a player of FC "Kudryvtsi" Denis Bezborodko. He greeted festival participants, signed autographs, and happily took photos with children.

The Ukrainian Association of Football's project "Open Football Festivals" is:

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military servicemen, IDPs, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among children from IDP areas 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.).