Zhytomyr Region: Launch of a Large-Scale School Football League for Thousands of Children

Initiated by the Zhytomyr Oblast Football Association and supported by partners, a new season of the School Football League "Polesie" has started. This year's competitions united 150 teams from 40 territorial communities in the region, which is close to 1800 young players. During the ceremonial opening of the tournament at one of the community lyceums, participants received new sports equipment and training gear from sponsors. An additional motivation for schoolchildren will be a substantial prize fund, which teams will compete for throughout the season. Organizers emphasize that successful football in the region is possible only under conditions of its mass development, so the project aims to engage children in sports and search for new talents.

Source: website of the Zhytomyr OAF

Zakarpattia Region: Expansion of Girls' Football Geography and Honor for Defenders

The Zakarpattia Football Association launched the second round of the oblast championship among girls' teams in the WU-13 age category. The competitions take place in a round-robin format, which allows young footballers not only to play but also to travel around the region — this time matches were held in the villages of Yasinya and Kolychno. In total, eight of the best teams from across the oblast are participating in the first stage, competing in a round-robin system at various locations. Symbolically, one of the stages was dedicated to Defender's Day, inviting women-servicewomen to the opening ceremony. Representatives of the association noted that such a format not only provides invaluable playing experience but also fulfills an important social mission by uniting families around sports.

Source: website of the Zakarpattia Football Association

Zaporizhzhia Region: "Unity Cup" Tournament for Teams from Occupied Communities

In Zaporizhzhia, with the support of the oblast football association, the final of an already traditional "Unity Cup" tournament took place. This tournament has special significance as it brings together teams from across the region, including representatives of temporarily occupied territories who get the opportunity to continue playing under the names of their hometowns. In this year's final, the local team FC IRON and "Tavriya-Vasilivka" competed for the main trophy. Interestingly, both teams had already met in the decisive match of last year's tournament. And while then the fate of the trophy was decided by a penalty shootout, this time Zaporizhzhia players seized the initiative from the first minutes and secured a convincing victory. The leadership of the regional association honored the finalists, emphasizing that such competitions foster character and preserve the football community.

Source: Instagram of the Zaporizhzhia OAF

Odessa Region: Creating New Opportunities in Inclusive Football

The Odessa Oblast Football Association, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), continues to actively develop an inclusive direction of sports in the region. A new group for children has been opened at the oblast center where classes will take place at a modern sports complex under the guidance of qualified coaches who have undergone special training. Thanks to support from organizers and partners, all training sessions, as well as sports equipment and gear, are completely free for participants. The new space is intended to ensure that every child, regardless of their abilities, can safely and comfortably join in their favorite game. Project initiators believe that inclusive football not only provides physical development but also genuine friendship, support, and confidence in one's own strength.

Source: Facebook of the Odessa OFA

Kharkiv Region: Launch of the "Dream Cup" for the Youngest Players

Initiated by the oblast football association in Kharkiv, a new children's tournament "Dream Cup" has started for the youngest boys born between 2016 and 2019. The competition brought together 23 teams from various districts of the region, with final battles for the main trophy scheduled for June next year.

Source: website of the Kharkiv OAF