The "Open Football Lessons" project of the Ukrainian Football Association and the "Development of Football of Ukraine" charitable foundation in the Kherson region was initiated this fall by the football associations of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the Kherson region and covered two villages in the Kakhovka district at once - Velyka Lepetykha and Gornostayivka.

Photo UAF

On the football fields, which were divided into sectors, children were offered various exercises with footballs, fun relay races, games of accuracy, speed, coordination, etc. Among others, there were also psychologist's areas, healthy lifestyle areas, and an inclusive area. Thus, thanks to the synergy with the project of the international charity Parimatch Foundation "Yes, I Can!", inclusive classes and, in the future, regular inclusive football sections will be introduced.

Photo UAF

This festival once again proved that football is open to everyone, regardless of abilities, for boys and girls. Children from the Crimean TPO, children of ATO participants, children from families who found themselves in difficult life circumstances were also invited to it. The people of Kakhovka fulfilled the main goal of the project - to bring all children together. And all the children who took part felt like real champions these days.

Photo UAF

Before the event began, children and volunteers were delighted to meet football legend, First Vice-President of the Ukrainian Football Association Anatoly Demyanenko. They were also greeted by the Head of the Kherson Regional State Administration Serhiy Kozyr, and the Executive Director of the Kherson Regional Football Association Oleksiy Krucher.

Photo UAF

Serhiy Kozyr emphasized that such football lessons are very important for children, especially schoolchildren. After all, at this age, children form all their habits and skills. And it is very important that they choose a healthy lifestyle and get carried away by sports.

Anatoliy Demyanenko conveyed greetings from UAF President, UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko, and wished that there would be as many such wonderful events in the Kherson region as possible.

In turn, Oleksiy Krucher invited the guests to fulfill his honorary mission — to present new soccer balls to representatives of local schools.

Photo UAF

In addition, all equipment used for the events remains with local schools for further use, each child also received a T-shirt with the project logo, and each volunteer received a tracksuit.

We remind you that for the second year in a row, the format of the "Open Football Lessons" has been adapted to the norms of the anti-epidemic regime and social distancing.