Open Fun Football Schools in Ocnița
The Open Fun Football Schools (OFFS) have arrived in Ocnița, Moldova, bringing a sense of excitement and community spirit to local children. Held between September 4-6 and September 9-11, these fun football sessions are part of a larger initiative aimed at using football to promote social inclusion, personal development, and community engagement. This initiative has been a key part of community life in Moldova since 2006, supported by Cross Cultures Project Association (CCPA), the Moldovan Football Federation, and the Government of Sweden (SIDA).
What Are Open Fun Football Schools?
The Open Fun Football Schools is an international initiative spearheaded by the CCPA, aimed at using football as a tool for peacebuilding, social inclusion, and child development. Since its establishment in 1998, the program has expanded across various countries, including Moldova. OFFS aims to foster teamwork, respect, and cooperation among children through football activities that go beyond competition, focusing instead on enjoyment and learning.
The Open Fun Football Schools is an international initiative spearheaded by the CCPA, aimed at using football as a tool for peacebuilding, social inclusion, and child development. Since its establishment in 1998, the program has expanded across various countries, including Moldova. OFFS aims to foster teamwork, respect, and cooperation among children through football activities that go beyond competition, focusing instead on enjoyment and learning.
Football, Fun, and Friendship in Ocnița
In Ocnița, the football fields were filled with energy as children gathered to participate in the Open Fun Football Schools program. Over the course of several days, they were introduced to various football techniques, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, while also engaging in fun, creative activities designed to encourage teamwork and self-expression.
The emphasis was not just on learning the game, but on fostering friendship and building community bonds. Children had the chance to play alongside peers from different backgrounds, creating a supportive atmosphere that encouraged collaboration and mutual respect. Through these activities, they developed essential life skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while also experiencing the joy of football in a non-competitive setting.
The Sport-School-Police Initiative: A Holistic Approach
A key feature of the OFFS program is its integration with the Sport-School-Police (SSP) initiative. This initiative is designed to strengthen community efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency by involving local schools, sports organizations, and law enforcement in the lives of children. The goal is to provide a positive outlet for at-risk youth, using football as a tool to promote social inclusion and prevent crime.
In Ocnița, this initiative has been especially impactful, helping children who may be vulnerable to social exclusion find a place within the community. By engaging them in sports and cultural activities, the program offers these young people a chance to reconnect with their peers and develop a sense of belonging. The collaboration between schools, sports clubs and local police, helps to create a support network that extends beyond the football field, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all children.
