The latest cycle of sessions within the UEFA Playmakers project, implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association and the Chernihiv Regional Football Association, was completed in Chernihiv at school № 35. Here, the project coaches Tetiana and Bohdan Zhuman work with children.

Tetiana Zhuman emphasizes: "UEFA Playmakers is a unique project. It provides an enjoyable and safe introduction to girls' football through movement and the magic of Disney stories."

Photo by ChROAF

Before training sessions, girls watch a Disney movie and memorize the main characters along with their roles. From the first session, they immerse themselves in a world of adventures and fun journeys combined with interesting football exercises and tasks. Each girl has the opportunity to imagine herself as the main character of the cartoon and demonstrate such virtues as independence, respect, and team spirit during fun and engaging training sessions."

Photo by ChROAF

The project coordinator from the Chernihiv Regional Football Association, Anatoliy Svystun, says: "Chernihiv regional football association sincerely thanks all coaches, organizers, and partners of the UEFA Playmakers project for the high level of training sessions and dedication to developing children's football. Thanks to your efforts, hundreds of girls have received their first positive experience in football, developed important skills, and discovered the joy of an active lifestyle. Together we are building the future of Ukrainian football!"

And here is a feedback from a mother of one of the participants: "I am Sofia's mom who attends UEFA Playmakers project sessions. I sincerely thank you for organizing and conducting training within this project. I highly appreciate your attention to our children’s development, your sincerity, professionalism, and inspiration with which you involve little ones in sports and an active lifestyle. This is an invaluable contribution to their future!"

Photo by ChROAF

Goals of the UEFA Playmakers program, implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association:

• to introduce girls to football in an environment focused on fun, friends, and football;
• to implement a new individual coaching approach that uses imagination (inspired by stories and Disney characters) as a tool for training and acquiring football skills;
• to refine girls' life skills, basic movement skills, and teach them the basics of football to foster lifelong interest in the sport.