On September 20 in the village of Usatove, "Open Football Festivals" took place, organized with the support of the Ukrainian Football Association and the Odesa Oblast Football Association.

Photo by OOFA

The event was addressed by the head of the Usatove village council, Yuriy Makoveychuk, and the executive director of OOFA, Anatoliy Komoyets. They emphasized the importance of developing children's sports and engaging youth in an active lifestyle.

Photo by OOFA

Young athletes had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at thematic locations. Here they trained accuracy and endurance. Special attention was drawn to a master class from rescuers of DSNSS, where children were shown the basics of first aid and told about mine safety rules.

Photo by OOFA

The celebration culminated with the ceremonial awarding of diplomas. Each child received a certificate signed by UAF President Andriy Shevchenko and a commemorative football shirt, which became a pleasant gift and a symbol of participation in the festival.

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

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military servicemen, IDPs, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship between IDP children and local children, social integration;
• an inclusive environment where everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• the philosophy of mass football — joy from playing rather than results at any cost;
• cultivation of a healthy lifestyle;
• development of volunteering;
• activation of local communities through cross-sectoral networks (youth leaders, teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, local authorities, patrons, etc.).