In Khmelnytskyi, at the base of Gymnasium No. 24, the cycle of lessons for the "Inclusive Football Sections" project has been completed, which is implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association jointly with the Khmelnytsky Regional Football Association.

During the training sessions, 16 children participated, among whom were those with various special educational needs, including children with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental delays. Internally displaced children and children from large families were also involved in the lessons. The project was led by a teacher-orthopedagogue, Lyudmila Peknich.

During the training sessions, football exercises were combined with neuro-exercises aimed at developing coordination, attention, thinking, and emotional control. This approach allowed for the integration of physical activity with corrective pedagogy – a kind of "neurofootball" that helps children develop both motor and cognitive skills simultaneously.

The training sessions became an active and developmental opportunity for the children, and parents were also actively involved in the process. They noted positive changes: the children became more confident, learned to work as a team, listened more attentively to the coach, and found new friends. The lessons contributed to the development of motor skills, speech, attention, and social skills, and helped reduce anxiety and hyperactivity.

After completing the training cycle, all participants received gifts, and the project itself became an important step in the development of inclusive football and support for children with special educational needs in Khmelnytskyi.

Thanks to the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), sections are equipped with children's football uniforms, balls, and necessary sports equipment and gear.

Photo by Khmelnytsky Regional Football Association

Main goals of the UAF project:

• To improve the psychological and physical condition of children with disabilities and special educational needs through their involvement in the activities of the project and socialization;
• To change for the better Ukrainian society's attitude towards people with disabilities and children with special educational needs;
  
• To provide access to inclusive sports activities;
  
• To reveal children's potential;
  
• To unite children and adults, regardless of physical and psychological development characteristics;
  
• To provide motivation in mass football for all children, regardless of abilities, gender, social problems.