Traditionally at the beginning of autumn, regional associations in 17 regions of Ukraine organize events within the framework of the psychosocial project "Open Football Festivals" with the support of the Ukrainian Association of Football, during which children from local communities and children of internally displaced persons (IDPs) receive not only a festive mood but also equipment for further sports activities.

In August, the UAF organized a special seminar for volunteer leaders from communities participating in the 2025/2026 season project. Representatives of the Oleshany territorial community - Vasyl Dvoyak and Oleh Khimechuk - attended it from Ivano-Frankivsk region. They selected their team from local volunteers who prepared and conducted a football festival.

Photo by IFOAF

The event took place on September 23. Before it began, all participants and guests honored the memory of fallen defenders of Ukraine with a moment of silence.

The festival started with an official part. The mayor of Oleshany village, Bohdan Dvoyak, the head of the education, health care, social protection department of the Oleshany village council, Yaroslav Semeniv, and the head of the family, youth, sports, culture, religion, and tourism department of the Oleshany village council, Vasyl Dvoyak addressed those present. Among the guests and participants were soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, volunteers, rescuers, police officers, and medics.

Teams from six educational institutions in the villages of Oleshany, Delava, Pytryv, Pidverbytsi, Budzin, and Zhyvachiv - a total of 72 children, including 24 IDP children and 21 children whose parents serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine - took part in the event. The organizers specifically formed groups so that children from different institutions could get to know each other and spend time together.

Photo by IFOAF

At the festival, six locations were active:

- football pitches for mini-matches and obstacle courses with a ball;

- a safety station run by DSNSS workers where students learned about behavior rules in wartime and generally dangerous situations;

- a space with a psychologist who helped children develop teamwork, communication skills, and emotional resilience.

The event concluded with the ceremonial awarding of diplomas and sports equipment. Each child received an emblem signed by UAF President Andriy Shevchenko.

The festival became a celebration of sport and friendship, as well as another step in developing mass football among children in the community. During it, children gained positive experiences, new knowledge about mine safety rules and first aid, and of course, took their first steps in football.

Photo by IFOAF

The event gave children the opportunity to showcase their skills, gain new knowledge, and experience true team spirit.

The Oleshany territorial community expresses gratitude to the UAF and Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Football Association for providing sports equipment and comprehensive support in organizing the event.

The Ukrainian Association of Football's "Open Football Festivals" project is:

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of Armed Forces soldiers, IDP children, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among IDP children and local children, social integration;
• an inclusive environment where everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• knowledge about safety in wartime conditions;
• the philosophy of mass football - joy from playing instead of results at any cost;
• cultivation of a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteer development;
• activation of local communities through cross-sector networks (youth leaders, teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, local authorities, benefactors, etc.).