On October 17 in Poltava within the framework of a joint project by the Ukrainian Football Association and the Donetsk Oblast Football Association, "Open Football Festivals" for children from Donbas took place. The goal of the event was to give children more joy, communication, and support through play and group activities. The next step is organizing regular children's football sections.

Photo by AFD

The event began with a solemn opening ceremony — the performance of the Ukrainian National Anthem and a moment of silence. Following this was an energetic warm-up session, followed by work at location-stations where children rotated through zones focusing on ball control techniques, coordination, goal kicks, teamwork exercises, and participated in game relay races.

Photo by AFD

At separate locations, medical staff and safety instructors were present. They provided basic information on first aid and discussed the fundamentals of psychological support. Using educational models of weapons and explosive ordnance, experts explained safe behavior rules and action protocols in case such items are discovered.

Photo by AFD

As noted by the representative of AFD, volunteer leader Serhiy Holovchenko: "Open Football Festivals" is about a safe space and unity among children where the main focus is joy from play and mutual support.

Photo by AFD

Especially valuable is the fact that children who have temporarily relocated from Donbas can participate in the festival. Their involvement in this European social and educational project, implemented by UFA and AFD, helps them feel the support of the community, find friends, and regain confidence.

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

• youth leadership in communities;
• psychosocial support for children of military personnel, internally displaced persons (IDPs), 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;
• safety knowledge in wartime conditions;
• the philosophy of mass football — joy from play instead of any price for results;
• cultivation of a healthy lifestyle;
• volunteerism development;
• activation of local communities through cross-sector networks (youth leaders, teachers, coaches, psychologists, safety experts, parents, local authorities, patrons, etc.).