In Rivne, the cycle of training sessions for the "Inclusive Football Sections" project has been completed, which is implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association in collaboration with the Rivne Regional Football Association.

The training sessions, held at the Rivne Automobile Transport Vocational College, were attended by children with various special educational needs, including Down syndrome, hearing impairments, and cerebral palsy, as well as internally displaced children. The trainers and volunteers of the project are Yevhen Kolesnik and Igor Kosenko.

According to Yevhen Kolesnik, the training course preparation at the UAF helped the coaches organize the section work effectively. Thanks to the association's support, the training process was equipped with necessary equipment, allowing for a full cycle of training sessions to be conducted.

Parents of participants note that the children are happy to attend the trainings, which have become an important space for their development and communication. Despite the completion of the planned program, coaches continue to work with the children, supporting the inclusive football space created in Rivne.

Photo by Rivne 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 project's physical activities 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 training;
• To reveal children's potential;
• To unite children and adults, regardless of their physical or mental development characteristics;
• To provide motivation in mass football for all children, regardless of abilities, gender, social problems.