Open football festivals are returning: UEFA launches a new season in Zakarpattia, involving children who have never played football.

The first in 2026 «Open Football Festival», implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association together with regional associations within the CISU program “Recovery and Resilience Led by Youth in Ukraine” supported by a Danish organization, took place at the stadium of the village Yanishi in Zakarpattia region.

Participants included 115 fifth-grade students from 14 schools of the Berestovska municipal territorial community and a team from Kyiv. Since most children had not previously engaged in football, training was focused on basic physical, technical, and tactical preparation.

Project activities are carried out by youth leaders who have undergone special training from UEFA and organize volunteer football initiatives in their communities — especially for children affected by the war. In the 2025/2026 season, the Zakarpattia youth hub is based in Berestovska.

Photo Zakarpattia Football Association