The training was organized to fulfill the contract between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Football Association regarding the implementation of educational programs and school football projects in general secondary education institutions of Ukraine for the years 2026—2030.

For two weeks, the ZAF jointly with the Training and Scientific Center for Qualification Improvement of Uzhhorod University is conducting courses for teachers under the program "Football in General Secondary Education Institutions," which has been officially approved by the Academic Council of DNU "Institute of Educational Content Modernization." Currently, 40 physical education teachers from various corners of the region are undergoing training online. Upon completion of the courses, participants will receive official certificates, licenses from UAF, and targeted sets of sports equipment for their schools.

Leading experts in the field shared their experience, innovative methods, and psychological aspects of working with youth with participants.

The lectures were conducted by:

• Valeria Dragunova — sports psychologist and football coach (topics of psychological preparation and motivation of young athletes).

• Ivan Shanta — lecturer at UzhNU, renowned Zakarpattia coach (methodology of teaching football elements and training process construction).

• Yaroslav Kozik — former FIFA referee, Premier League of Ukraine referee, head of Mukachevo District Football Association.

• Tetiana Apolonina — Master of Sports in football, former national team player and multiple-time winner of the Ukrainian Cup, professional football coach.

• Valeriy Shkura — former referee and official delegate of the Zakarpattia Football Association, coach and active volunteer for inclusive football sections.

The lecture materials are available to registered course participants on the UzhNU educational platform.

However, teachers completed the most important and practical part of their training in practice. On the artificial turf at Uzhhorod stadium "Avangard," a practical session took place that allowed teachers to reinforce theory and analyze innovative exercises for lessons.

The program of the practical day was extremely rich and consisted of several profile blocks:

Basic technique for the youngest

Coaches Ivan Shanta and Igor Chernyk conducted model sessions on teaching football elements, focusing on working with children born in 2014 and 2018 from the AF "Minay."

Development of girls' football

Special attention was paid to the gender aspect in sports. Coach Tetiana Apolonina thoroughly analyzed with participants the specifics and methodology of conducting football lessons specifically for girls using the example of the youngest team of SDOSShOR Uzhhorod (coach Bogdana Huley).

Social integration through sports

Presentation of important social initiatives by the UAF was made by the responsible secretary of the GS "ZAF" Anastasia Penzova. Teachers were acquainted with key national projects: "School Ball," "Open Football Festivals," and "Inclusive Football Sections."

An important part was the coffee break during which teachers had a great opportunity to communicate in an informal setting. Educators actively shared their own experience working in schools, discussed what they learned from lectures and debated new approaches to engaging youth in sports.

The bright and emotional finale of the practical day was a friendly football match in which teachers themselves stepped onto the green pitch at "Avangard." The game took place in a friendly but spirited atmosphere, demonstrating excellent physical condition and team spirit among Zakarpattia educators.