On 16 July, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was in Ukraine on an official visit, attended an amputee football friendly between Ukrainian Championship Super League teams Shakhtar Stalevi and FC Kolos-Burevii. The match ended in a 1–1 draw.
The event was attended by representatives of government authorities, embassies and the football community:
During the visit, Keir Starmer spoke with players from both teams. The UK Prime Minister expressed his deep respect for Ukrainian soldiers for their resilience and courage — both on the battlefield, defending their country, and on the football pitch.
Most of the players from both teams are veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who sustained serious injuries during combat.
Neil Crompton, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine: “We all understand the challenges facing a country living through war. Many people have been injured. But we have learned that sport can be a powerful force for rehabilitation. And when we spoke to the players today, it became clear that this is not only about physical recovery, but also about mental recovery.”
Oleh Luzhnyi, Head of the UAF Professional Football Committee and former player and captain of the Ukraine national team, Dynamo Kyiv and Arsenal:“I spoke with the Ambassador about football. I know that almost all English people are football fans — in virtually every household, there is a team they support. They were impressed by the sporting aspect of the ‘League of the Brave’. If we previously had three or four teams, we now have 21. The project is growing and has already reached a serious level.”
Artem Stoianov, First Vice President of the UAF: “Our guests were pleasantly surprised to learn that as many as 21 teams are taking part in the ‘League of the Brave’ championship and that the ‘League of the Brave. Children’ project has already been launched. We understand that, in the realities of war, we need to help both adults and children adapt to social life, which is why we are implementing all these projects. But for representatives of countries that are not living through war, seeing this is a deeply emotional experience.
By seeing the ‘League of the Brave’, our guests understood the strength of the Ukrainian spirit. If people can give their all on a football pitch after losing limbs, they can also understand what Ukrainians are capable of when fighting the enemy.
Another thing that surprised Keir Starmer in particular was that the project is funded entirely through fundraising and private donations. The state does not spend a single penny on these social initiatives. In Ukraine, it is the community and donors who support projects like these.
Such attention from international partners creates opportunities to attract additional funding. For example, when the national team plays away matches, we try to secure support from other football associations. We showcase our social projects, and some associations respond by offering their support and assistance.”
Благодійна організація “Благодійний фонд “Фундація УАФ” є неприбутковою, недержавною організацією, засновником якою виступає Громадська Спілка “Українська Асоціація Футболу”
Політика конфіденційності
