Offering a smile and a few hours of carefree moments to those who truly need it. Today, the FIGC hosted a group of Ukrainian children, orphaned due to the war in their country, who had the opportunity to spend some time with the women's national team footballers. Nearly two years after the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the Federal Technical Centre opened its doors – and hearts – to the children from Kharkiv, the protagonists of the new humanitarian mission organized by activist and writer Claudia Conte together with the association 'La Memoria Viva'.

"Italian football is united to loudly advocate for peace and to support our Ukrainian friends," stated federal president Gabriele Gravina, "I thank Claudia Conte and the 'La Memoria Viva' association for involving the women's national team and including the Federal Technical Centre of Coverciano in the friendship and solidarity tour organized in some symbolic places of our country. Because children are the primary victims of the conflict and they deserve the attention of institutions, as the FIGC is doing with many direct initiatives. I particularly appreciate the transversality of the project, involving different worlds and realities, a testament to the great Italian sensitivity."

After visiting the Football Museum, the children had the opportunity to speak with CT Andrea Soncin and Sara Gama, who conveyed the greetings of her teammates, equally moved by their captain for this special visit. Even the coach of the men's national team, Luciano Spalletti, present at Coverciano, spent time with the eight guests, taking souvenir photos and leaving them – along with everyone present - an indelible memory of love and smiles, far from the horrors of war.

The FIGC continues to support Ukraine with various humanitarian initiatives, from hosting the Under 17 and women's Futsal National teams at Coverciano to sending sports and food supplies, in addition to supporting the sporting activities of the Ukrainian Football Federation through various collaborations. Just a few days ago, Gabriele Gravina signed an agreement with the newly elected president of the Ukrainian Federation, Andriy Shevchenko, which will allow coaches and players to undergo training in Italian facilities, starting from the Federal Technical Centre itself, to contribute concretely to the realization of a human and professional path that offers them new opportunities.