What's happening in Ukraine this September?
This September, Ukraine will witness a series of heartwarming and impactful football festivals aimed at supporting children affected by the ongoing conflict. These festivals, named Open Fun Football Schools are part of a project supported by the New Democracy Foundation (NDF) and the Cross Cultures Project Association (CCPA). The Ukrainian Football Association, along with regional football associations, will organize these events across various Ukrainian cities.
Here’s a look at the schedule and locations where these festivals will take place:
- September 15, 11:00 – Podilsk, Odesa Oblast, at SK “Podilsk,” Soborna St., 66-a
- September 19, 11:00 – Zboriv, Ternopil Oblast, at B. Khmelnytsky St., 41-a
- September 22, 10:00 – Kostopil, Rivne Oblast, at Kostopil Youth Sports School, Artillery Lane, 7
- September 24, 10:00 – Ivano-Frankivsk, at “Het-Trik Arena,” Chornovola St., 128
- September 25, 10:00 – Kropyvnytskyi, at Central Ukrainian State University, Upper Permska St., 8
- September 25, 10:00 – Smila, Cherkasy Oblast, at Michurina St., 41
- September 25, 16:00 – Poltava, at “Molodizhny” Stadium, Zinkivska St., 57
- September 26, 10:00 – Koziatyn, Vinnytsia Oblast, at “Lokomotyv” Stadium, Lysenko St., 33
- September 26, 10:00 – Synelnykove, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, at Synelnykivka Lyceum No. 7, Afghan Warriors St., 5
- September 26, 10:30 – Lutsk, at “Avangard” Stadium, Peremohy Ave., 7-a
- September 27, 10:00 – Korosten, Zhytomyr Oblast, at “Spartak” Stadium, Sholom-Aleikhem St., 38
- September 27, 10:00 – Starobilsk, Chernihiv Oblast, at Starobilsk School, Kyiv St., 2
- September 27, 11:00 – Sumy, location to be determined (pending favorable conditions)
- September 27, 11:00 – Kamianetska TG, Chernivtsi Oblast, at Staryi Vovchynets
- September (date to be confirmed) – Khust, Zakarpattia Oblast, at Mizhhirya
- October 1, 09:00 – Stara Syniava, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, at Starosyniavskyi Lyceum, Hrushevskoho St., 17
- October – Kyiv Oblast (date and location to be determined)
- October – Lviv Oblast (date and location to be determined)
Additionally, with support from UEFA and UAF, the festivals will also feature contributions from the Donetsk Regional Football Association (for internally displaced children in Poltava), the Kharkiv Regional Football Association, and the city of Kyiv:
- September 15 – Pisochin, Kharkiv Oblast (pending favorable conditions)
- September 21, 10:00 – Poltava, at Donetsk Regional Football Association Festival, Kozaka St., 5
- Date and location in Kyiv – To be announced, in honor of UEFA’s Mass Football Week
These football festivals represent not only a chance for children to engage in sports but also a symbol of resilience and community support. They provide a meaningful escape and a platform for joy amidst challenging times.