"Open Football Festivals" in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast

The "Open Football Festivals" took place at Dolinsky DYSH within the framework of the UAF social project, which is implemented with the support of international donors and regional football associations.

"Open Football Festivals" in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast

Initially, the festival was planned to take place at the "Naftovik" stadium, but rain forced a change of plans. However, this did not prevent the event from being lively, fun, and full of good spirits.

Honored guests at the festival included: First Deputy Head of Kaluska District State Administration Ivan Shikerintsev, Chairman of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Football Association Taras Klim, and Chairman of Kaluska District Football Association Ruslan Tsuper.

For participants, six thematic locations were set up: "Happy Games," "Route," "Accuracy Games," "Relays," as well as safety and psychological ones. Each child visited all the locations, tried their hand at various activities, and together with other participants completed the entire festival route.

Alongside physical activity, psychological support and training in safe behavior were also important components, including minimizing risks associated with explosive hazards and emergency situations.

Despite the change of location, the festival took place in a warm, active, and friendly atmosphere. The children played, competed, supported each other, made new friends, and simply enjoyed spending time together.

Of course, no children's festival is complete without pleasant surprises. Each child received a branded T-shirt from the Ukrainian Football Association and a participant diploma. And after the active part of the event, pizza was served to everyone.

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

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

— youth leadership and development of volunteering in communities; 

— psychosocial support for children of military personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, children of internally displaced persons, and those 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; 

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

— the first football experience for children.