Samara Association of people with disabilities using wheelchairs «Desnitsa Association» («The Hand Association»)
Football for everyone
Main values
Geography: Samara Oblast
CSS contribution, rubles
Total budget, rubles
Implementation period, months
Project idea
The main goal of the Football for Everyone project is to provide an opportunity for teenagers aged 11-14, with varying degrees of disability, to explore their potential by participating in inclusive football teams.
Creating an environment where people with disabilities feel independent – psychologically, physically, socially, and financially – is crucial for their empowerment. With these conditions met, these individuals can make their own decisions about how to live their lives. By becoming active and independent, they not only improve their own well-being but also contribute to society, moving away from a status of dependency.
As part of the project, four inclusive football teams will be formed, composed of both teenagers with and without disabilities. These teams will train twice a week, with additional participation in local competitions every two months and away games every three months. Additionally, the teenagers will have the opportunity to attend master classes led by professional athletes, including Paralympians.
To foster trust and interagency collaboration, local media will cover the project’s activities, raising awareness and promoting inclusion. Public events and competitions will help to challenge and dispel stereotypes about people with disabilities and their capabilities.
The project will also include training for four coaches specialized in inclusive football. These coaches will share their expertise with physical education teachers and sports club coaches, ensuring that sports opportunities are made accessible to a wider number of young people with disabilities.
The culmination of the project will be a football tournament featuring all members of the inclusive teams alongside well-known athletes.
This tournament is designed to showcase the abilities of people with disabilities, fostering a positive shift in societal attitudes toward these teenagers.
Relevance
In the Samara region, there are approximately 11,000 children with disabilities under the age of 18. Many of these children spend their formative years in specialized educational institutions, where they lack the opportunities to fully develop essential social skills and acquire life experience.
Growing up in such an environment prevents these children from becoming fully integrated members of society, living active lives, and interacting freely with others.
This project illustrates that children with and without disabilities can thrive together. When given the chance to learn, grow, and play as a team, previously perceived “insurmountable” barriers quickly dissolve.
Sports provide a vital avenue for children with special needs to improve their health, pursue self-realization, set meaningful goals, and beacon the way for an interesting and fulfilling life. Participating in team sports not only enhances physical fitness but also helps improve emotional well-being, fosters team spirit, and aids in their social integration.
Social effect
Socialization of children with disabilities in Samara through the use of social sports methodologies
KPI
KPI
Project Results
Participation in the project enabled teenagers with disabilities and children from families facing difficult life situations to join sports soccer sections in both core and additional education programs. Team competitions held at school and city venues, supported by specialists, helped to break down educational and social barriers.
Access to additional resources and training empowered these children to adopt a more active approach to life and engaged their immediate support networks, including family members and community figures, in the adaptation process to benefit the adolescent.
The relationship that has developed between such teams and professional football clubs and sports organizations will serve as a basis for further cooperation.
Project progress after CSS funding
To secure further financial support, the project will draw on the experience of the Desnitsa Association in fostering partnerships with businesses and stakeholders, and in integrating with regional programs.
Project implementation has also helped establish connections with the leadership of organizations such as “Summer with Soccer Ball” and “Leather Ball,” who are committed to assisting the development of inclusive teams within schools. Participation in various social project competitions is also under consideration to sustain and expand the initiative.
