Partner Update: Ukraine

Here is an encouraging update from one of our partners in Ukraine:

3 years ago we gathered soccer team of boys of 10 years old. One season we had only practices without games. Next year we participated in league and had 18 games. We lost all 18 games, conceded 102 goals and scored 11. Guys were frustrated but didn’t give up in football. Before next season, we gathered the team and had team talk about goal setting, that it is important for everyone and for team to set up goal and try to achieve it. So we encourage them to set up goals for next season in 3 areas of their lives – at family, at school, at football team. So 2 goals were about individual areas, and 1 goal was about team. And we asked them to write those goals to remember it. But we asked them what goal as a football team you set up together. So guys were talking – we want to win 1 game and 1 draw. We said it is good that you set up such goal but we sure, that you can achieve more so encourage them to lift up expectations of themselves. So guys set up new goal – win 2 games and 2 draws next season. After that every week we had team talk session where we studied book “Pyramid of Success” of John Wooden. So every week we learnt together about hard work, about motivation, about optimism etc. In the end of the season we had 10 games where we won 5, had 3 draws and only lost 2 games. Team went to the final of 8 and finally we became 6th (among 32 teams in that season in different groups).

Another thing. At our academy we have not very strong and skillful players. Skillful players first go to another public soccer schools with better sport infrastructure. But we have younger coaches that love kids and try to teach them football and life skills, and during the process the players improve themselves and become better players.

Not long ago in the city was tournament among public schools. And it was big final where played 6 schools. There was for first time school #20 which is small school and they newer been in that final stage. But last time they got there – because 90% of their players is going to our football academy. So it is sign to us and to players that despite on lack on infrastructure, lack of “very professional” coaches we are able to make children better. Another fact that among 6 teams, 4 teams’s captains was also from our academy. That shows to children and their parents that at our academy children learn not only football, but leadership as well.

We are thankful to supporters of Ball Project for your help in our work. Thank you for your impact through balls and equipment that help us to continue our work with children.

It is wonderful to see Coach John Wooden‘s wisdom to continue to impact new generations around the world.

Ball Project is grateful for our partners like Standard Sport working hard  & working faithfully to train coaches, mentor children & help children play.