Children from Donetsk, including internally displaced persons, have joined the initiative. For them, football has become not only an opportunity to maintain physical fitness but also a space for communication, new friendships, teamwork, and positive emotions.

In addition to two football festivals held during the season in Poltava city, at the Donetsk Regional Specialized College of Sports Profile, and in Mukachevo community in Zakarpattia, regular sessions were also conducted in Slobodyske village on Dnipropetrovsk: 24 training sessions took place, with 24 children participating in each.

During the trainings, participants worked on general physical fitness, coordination and endurance, learned to handle the ball, pass it, shoot at goal, and learn how to work together on a football field.

At the same time, the sports result was not the main focus. All trainings took place in an atmosphere of trust, mutual support and equal opportunities. Each child could be active, try their strength and gradually develop their skills.

Football is much more than a game. It helps children feel part of a team, become more confident and find support. For us, it's important that the children from Donetsk have such opportunities, — noted Deputy Chairman of the Football Association of Donetsk Region Serhiy Holovchenko. — Thank you to the coaches, volunteers, organizers and everyone who was with the children throughout the season. The season is over, but love for movement, football and team games remains. Ahead are new meetings, festivals and sports impressions!

The "Open Football Festivals" project of the Ukrainian Football Association is: 

— youth leadership and development of volunteering in communities; 

— psychosocial support for children of military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, children of internally displaced persons, and children affected by war; 

— an inclusive environment in which 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.