"Open Football Festivals" in Chernihiv Oblast

In Kozelchyn, another stage of the national project "Open Football Festivals" was held, which is being implemented by the Ukrainian Association of Football.

"Open Football Festivals" in Chernihiv Oblast

Students from schools in the Kozelnytska territorial community participated in the sports event. A diverse program was organized for young participants with football exercises, relay races, contests, and other activities. The children had the opportunity not only to demonstrate their football skills but also to spend time in a friendly sporting atmosphere. According to the festival's results, all participants received commemorative t-shirts from the Ukrainian Football Association, while educational institutions received new footballs.

Special attention was paid to important topics for children during the event — psychological support and mine safety. In special thematic locations, students received useful information and practical knowledge.

The festival was attended by First Deputy Head of the Chernihiv Oblast Football Association Serhiy Datsenko, Deputy Head of CHOAF and regional manager of UFA for organizing festivals Anatoliy Svystun, Head of Kozelnytska Territorial Community Valentyn Bryginets, and Open Festival instructor Tetiana Zhuman.

The project is being implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association within its donor program "Restoration and Resilience under Youth Leadership in Ukraine" with support from the Association of Cross-Cultural Projects and organization CISU (Civil Society in Development) from Denmark.

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

— youth leadership and volunteer development in communities; 

— psychosocial support for children of ZSU military personnel, children of IDPs, and children affected by the war; 

— an inclusive environment where everyone participates regardless of abilities and gender, including children with special educational needs; 

— knowledge of safety in wartime conditions; 

— the philosophy of mass football — joy from playing rather than results at any cost; 

— the first football experience for children.