"Inclusive Football Sections" in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast
In Rohatyn, which is in Ivano-Frankivsk region, the cycle of sessions for last season's "Inclusive Football Sections" project has been completed, which is implemented by the UAF and FIFA. Note: There seems to be a slight inaccuracy regarding the abbreviation "ІФОАФ", which likely stands for an organization related to football or sports associations in Ukraine. The correct translation would depend on its exact meaning, but since it's not clear what this acronym represents in English, I've kept it as "IFOAF" (transliteration of the Ukrainian) and replaced "УАФ" with "UAF", which is commonly used for the Ukrainian Football Association. However, if you have a specific translation or preferred rendering for these acronyms, please let me know.
The project coach at the local inclusive-resource center and Rogatin Lyceum №1 was Maxim Sitkiv.
Children with learning difficulties, visual and speech impairments were involved in the sessions.
Maxim Sitkiv: "I am happy to be part of this important project and help children who need it to believe in their own strength. Such sections are necessary for children with special educational needs today so that they can develop both physically and socially and emotionally."
It was important to me that every child could feel the joy of playing football regardless of their characteristics. During training sessions, we see how children eagerly perform various exercises, reveal their potential, become more confident and learn to work as a team.
Football — is a family that unites children, helps them communicate, find new friends and overcome obstacles. Inclusive football for me — is not just about sports. Thank you to the UAF and regional association for the opportunity to participate in this project."
Main goals of the UAF project:
— to improve the psycho-emotional and physical state of children with disabilities and special educational needs through their involvement in project physical activities and socialization;
— to change for the better 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 or mental development characteristics;
— to provide motivation for mass football for all children regardless of abilities, gender, or social issues.
Thanks to UAF, sections are equipped with children's football uniforms, balls and necessary sports equipment.
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