Inclusive Football For Children
Make football possible for everyone
Imagine a football pitch where every child, regardless of their abilities, can lace up their boots, feel the thrill of the game, and experience the joy of belonging. That's the vision behind Inclusive Football for Children, a project we want to bring to life in Ukraine
How did we get here?
According to the official data from the Department of Medical Statistics at the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, 135,773 children in our country are affected by psychophysical development disorders. This represents 1.5% of the total child population.
However, only 0.5% of children with disabilities are engaged in sports activities.
Launched in 2020 on the initiative of Ukrainian footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko, our project offers children with disabilities the chance to delve into the wonderful world of football.
We're breaking down these barriers, brick by brick.
“All people regardless of their mental, psychological or physical characteristics should have equal opportunities and such sport as football in particular, has a unique unifying power. When I see the kid's emotions, I realise that we are doing everything right. Our goal is to help every child with disabilities realise their dreams. Football is for everyone!”
— Oleksandr Zinchenko
OUR PRELIMINARY RESULTS
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3
SEASONS
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400
CHILDREN
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100
VOLUNTEERS
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700
FOOTBALL GAMES
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17
UKRAINIAN AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
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6
DEVELOPED ONLINE TRAININGS
However, the resilience of our children and the dedication of our team paved the way for the project's resumption, and with your help we will definitely be able to rebuild it.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 put a stop to our ongoing progress.
OUR GOALS FOR 2025
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400+
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
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700+
FOOTBALL TRAINING SESSIONS
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3+
UKRAINIAN CITIES
Here's how your support can make a difference.
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Inclusive Environment
Together we can create a barrier-free environment where every child can play, laugh, and learn alongside their peers.
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Sport Skills
Together we can provide opportunities for children to develop their football skills and overall physical abilities through professional coaching.
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Social Integration
Football is more than just a game; it fosters friendships, understanding, cooperation and acceptance, breaking down walls and building a community where every child feels valued and included.
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Inclusive Sport
Your involvement raises awareness about the importance of an inclusive approach in sports; together we are setting a standard, inspiring other sports initiatives to embrace diversity and create opportunities for all.
It all started with a dream.
And those who embrace the transformative power of inclusion.
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Timofiy
Regularly participating in ball activities has not only enhanced my child's patience and endurance but has also cultivated skills such as active listening, respect for elders, and effective teamwork.
Iryna, Timofiy’s mother
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Fedir and Kseniia
After these lessons, the children became more courageous, confident, concentrated and well-behaved.
Anna, Fedir’s mother
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Nazar
Thanks to the project and the skills we learned there, he plays football with his peers.
Nataliia, Nazar’s mother
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Maxim
We would like Maxim to be able to take part in the project again when we return home, because this project is very important for our children and makes a big change.
Olena, Maxim’s mother
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Danylo
Through football exercises and games, the child developed motor skills, coordination and interaction with others. Training helped to improve attention and self-control, as well as teamwork skills.
Tetiana, Danylo’s mother
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Oleksii and Anatolii
My children fell in love with sports thanks to football. At inclusive football, children feel supported and confident.
Tetiana, Olersii and Anatolii’s mother -
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Arhyp and Maia
Thank you for the wonderful memories, I found a photo from 2020, in the first classes, Arhyp could not be on the field by himself yet, his sister helped, and in the photo in May 2023, he was already practicing by himself, and also made friends.
Arhyp and Maia’s mother
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Anton
Anton began to believe in himself, his strengths and the fact that everything can be learned. The most important thing is to try, want and work at it. We keep all his training photos, his awards and the “Football for Everyone” T-shirt.
Yuliia, Anton’s mother
Make a donation
BANK TRANSFER:
Account Number: 47984521
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Reference: Goal Ukraine
PayPal:
hello@nadiya.org.uk
Reference: Goal Ukraine
Make football possible for everyone
We believe that collaborative, aligned action is the key to successful and enduring change.
If our vision resonates with you, and you’d like to explore how we can work together, please get in touch at partnership@goalukraine.org
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