In Khmelnytskyi, the second 2026 educational seminar of the Ukrainian Football Association took place, organized according to the methodology of one of the most successful football academies in the world — "Manchester City". The event became part of the systematic program of UAF for the development of youth football in Ukraine.

Photo HOAF

During the seminar, key principles of modern coaching were at the center of attention:

— coaching with confidence and strength;

— creating a positive learning environment during training sessions;

— building quality relationships between coaches and players;

— effective communication and clear instructions;

— taking into account new characteristics of young footballers and their high level of engagement;

— reflection on one's own work and continuous professional development.

Photo HOAF

The interest in the project was exceptionally high. Within just two days, over 50 youth coaches expressed their desire to participate in the seminar — both from state DYSH and private football schools.

"Currently, at UAF, people are truly working who sincerely want to develop football, especially for children. We are passing on the experience of one of the best academies in the world. After the seminar, coaches will be able to convey this knowledge to the children," — one of the participants noted.

Photo HOAF

UAF Youth Football Department Head Maksym Sirota emphasized that the selection of coaches for the project was conducted openly but according to clear criteria, agreed upon with representatives of "Manchester City":

"This was not just a one-week seminar. For a long time after this, we communicated online, held training sessions, recorded them and sent them to our mentors. They made corrections, gave recommendations, and we worked through it. That's why now we are 100% sure of how it works and what benefit it brings to our young footballers."

Photo HOAF

"Last winter, our coaches from all over Ukraine visited one of the best academies in the world — 'Manchester City', completed a full-time internship and gained new knowledge. And now they are sharing this new information across all regions of Ukraine. This is happening right now — in Khmelnytskyi. This is already the 10th region, — Bogdan Gorodnyk, Director of the UAF Football Development Department, noted. "This seminar is aimed at coaches working with children up to 13 years old. So far, our main goal is the development of young footballers, not winning at any cost. I hope we will influence the mindset of our coaches, which in the future will help better develop our children in Ukraine."

Photo HOAF

The association emphasizes that such international internships and educational programs are planned to become a regular feature, as the development of coaches is key to future successes in Ukrainian football.