The UEFA-backed initiative and with the support of the Ukrainian Football Association and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Football Association took place at Magdalynivsky Lyceum within the framework of European Sports Week, marking the official launch of the social project "Open Football Festivals."

This initiative has already gained high recognition not only at the regional level but also nationally and internationally, as its main goal is to give every child the opportunity to feel part of a sports family, make new friends, and believe in their own strength.

Photo by AFD

The festival became a true celebration for the young residents of the community. Dozens of boys and girls, for whom football is not just a game but a means of development, self-expression, and psychological support during difficult wartime times, participated in it. The uniqueness of the project lies in its combination of ball training with educational elements: children learn about safety rules, how to properly react to dangerous situations, and understand risks that they may encounter in everyday life.

Photo by AFD

At the beginning of the event, participants and guests honored fallen heroes with a moment of silence, followed by the Ukrainian National Anthem. This moment reminded everyone present that sports and nurturing a new generation go hand in hand with gratitude to those who defend our future.

A special highlight of the festival was the performance by the choreographic group "Veselka," which presented guests with a bright dance number. Such cultural highlights made the atmosphere even more festive, emphasizing that football can be part of a large communal space where there is room for sports, creativity, and mutual support.

Photo by AFD

Thanks to the Ukrainian Football Association and partners who provided children with sports equipment, young football players were not only able to experience the joy of playing but also received quality conditions for training, which will ensure their further development.

Such festivals are particularly important for communities. They help shape in children a sense of teamwork, teach them to work together, overcome difficulties and strive for victory. And most importantly - they bridge the gap to the future where sports become a path to healthy and active living.

Photo by AFD

Together we are stronger! And it is precisely through such projects that we raise a generation that will grow with love for football and pride in Ukraine.

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

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, IDPs, and war-affected children;
• unity and friendship among children of IDPs and local children, social integration;
• an inclusive environment where everyone participates, including children with special educational needs;
• knowledge about safety in wartime conditions;
• 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.).