Following our initial overview of Cross Cultures’ work in Ukraine, this analysis reveals how football activities create measurable change in conflict-affected communities. While our previous report showed the reach of our programs, this breakdown examines how 19.365 children, 1.591 volunteers, and 18 youth hubs translate into tangible community impact.
Through detailed analysis of our 2024 data, we see patterns that demonstrate how Fun Football activities build community resilience. These patterns help us understand which program elements are most effective in creating safe spaces for children during challenging times.
The Power of Youth Hubs
Since May 2024, our 18 Youth Hubs have hosted 369 one-day festivals, maintaining regular activities despite challenging circumstances. The data reveal that these hubs serve as meeting points where 3.854 internally displaced children connect with local youth through Fun Football activities.
Integration with local institutions drives each hub’s success. Working with 74 schools, 24 sports clubs, the hubs build reliable community networks that ensure program sustainability. Each hub connects with approximately four schools and at least one sports club, creating multiple access points for children to participate.
The involvement of 17 emergency service offices strengthens our hub structure. These partnerships ensure proper safety protocols while maintaining consistent programming, showing how youth hubs adapt to local security needs without compromising their mission of providing safe spaces for play.
Our data shows clear patterns of community integration. When examining participation, we see 6,037 conflict-affected children (31% of participants) regularly engage in activities alongside their peers from host communities. This mixing through play creates connections that extend beyond our football festivals into daily community life.
Building Local Leadership
Our volunteer network shows how initial training creates expanding community engagement. The core group of 346 trained leaders mobilized an additional 1,245 community members to support football festivals, demonstrating how local leadership multiplies program impact.
Gender balance in leadership drives program accessibility. With women comprising 36% of trained leaders (123 women), we see corresponding participation from girls in our activities. The data confirms this connection: 4,481 girls participate regularly in our programs, creating new opportunities for female engagement in community sports.
The volunteer structure supports inclusive programming. Through trained leadership, we successfully integrate 963 children with special needs and 1,863 orphans into regular activities. This data shows how local volunteers create welcoming environments for all participants.
Our 1,591 active volunteers maintain program consistency acros all 18 youth hubs. Despite air raid alerts and infrastructure challenges, these dedicated community members ensure children have regular access to safe play spaces. Their commitment translates into sustained community engagement, with each hub hosting regular activities throughout the year.
Community Networks
The strength of our program lies in verified data from multiple community partners. Our network of 72 schools, 24 sports clubs, and 17 emergency service offices creates a structured support system that maintains regular activities even during challenging periods.
Local investment supports program sustainability. Through 18 local government offices and 20 regional partnerships, we’ve secured in-kind contributions valued at 4,160 euros. This financial support, combined with institutional backing, shows how communities invest in sustainable youth activities.
Our partnerships create clear patterns of integration:
- Schools provide safe spaces and access to children
- Sports clubs contribute equipment and expertise
- Emergency services ensure safety protocols
- Local authorities provide institutional support
- Regional partnerships expand program reach
The data confirms how these networks strengthen community resilience. When 6,037 conflict-affected children participate alongside peers in regular activities, we see natural integration through play. Each partnership adds another layer of community support, creating stable foundations for continued program delivery.
Measuring Impact
Cross Cultures’ work in Ukraine reveals clear patterns in how Fun Football activities strengthen communities. Through 369 one-day festivals and 16 five-day football schools, we reach children who need safe spaces for play and connection.
The numbers show consistent community engagement:
- 19,365 children participated in activities
- 3,854 internally displaced children found new connections
- 6,037 conflict-affected children engaged with peers
- 963 children with special needs joined regular activities
- 1,863 orphans participated in programs
Our 18 youth hubs demonstrate sustainable impact through local ownership. With 1,591 volunteers leading activities and strong institutional partnerships maintaining program delivery, we see how communities embrace and sustain these initiatives despite challenging circumstances.
Support our work in Ukraine
As witnesses to devastating consequences of the war in Ukraine, we all want to contribute in the most fruitful way possible. Even if you’re not in or around Ukraine, you can still lend a hand.
We have opened for memberships that funds our work in Ukraine. The membership fee can be fitted to your personal budget, thus costing whatever you think is sufficient.
All membership fees goes directly to our work in Ukraine and if you choose a monthly plan, you also support our ongoing and future work in other parts of the world.
You can pay in Euros, US Dollars or Danish Kroner – Thank you!
