The football tournament of Igor Belanov for players born in 2012-2013 took place in the village of Tairove. Ten teams from different settlements of Odesa region participated in the competition. To congratulate the participants, present them with soccer balls as gifts and chat with young footballers, President of the Ukrainian Football Association, UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko, 1986 Ballon d'Or winner and Deputy Chairman of the Professional Football Committee of the UFA Igor Belanov, prominent veterans of Odesa football Valery Porkuyan and Grigory Biebergal visited.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

The main feature of this tournament, as well as other competitions organized by the Ukrainian Football Association for children, is that young footballers play not for results but for their own satisfaction. Therefore, all participants in Igor Belanov's Tournament became winners and received memorable cups, diplomas, and medals. But the biggest surprise for the kids was tickets to a friendly match between Ukraine and Bulgaria national teams presented by UFA President Andriy Pavelko. Since most of the tournament participants had their first chance ever to watch the country’s main team play at Odesa's Chornomorets Stadium after a five-year hiatus.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov 

“Holding such tournaments has already become a good tradition, and I am grateful to UFA President Andriy Pavelko for his support in organizing them as well as for his efforts aimed at promoting football among children. Such competitions are a great opportunity for kids to meet with veterans who have reached the highest peaks of football and see trophies that millions of young footballers dream about. I believe that many of them will be inspired by this to pursue successful professional careers.” — Igor Belanov said after awarding the participants.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

“First of all, I am grateful to the parents who brought their children to football and actively supported them during the tournament. Thank you to our legend Igor Belanov, who always actively supports all initiatives of the UFA aimed at developing youth football. Such tournaments are always a great celebration of football and an opportunity for kids to meet with football legends. And these meetings can be a starting point in choosing a successful star career for many young footballers. I sincerely wish this to all participants of Igor Belanov's Tournament and other competitions we organize!” — said Andriy Pavelko.