UAF hosts inaugural Development Cup youth tournament

31.08.2024 11:00

From August 29 to 30, V. Bannikov football playgrounds in Kyiv hosted the inaugural Development Cup youth football tournament for U-13 players (born in 2012), organized by the Ukrainian Association of Football.

The tournament featured an innovative 11-a-side format on a reduced-size pitch (80x60 meters). This format aims to increase the frequency of ball interactions, enhance game situations requiring quick decisions, increase transitional phases and attacking opportunities, and reduce physical strain.

Photo by Dan Balashov

The association's goal is to elevate the skill level of young players through such tournaments, promoting fair play and a positive atmosphere free from aggression, and pressure from players, coaches, parents, or spectators.

Photo by Dan Balashov

"The main outcome in youth football is not winning at all costs but developing children. This philosophy is upheld by the association and is what we aim to pass on to youth coaches. We also want to teach parents proper behavior during matches and training sessions. They are supporters of the players and should not pressure the children or shout instructions from the stands," noted UAF Youth Football Department head Bohdan Horodnyuk.

Photo by Dan Balashov

Six teams participated in the tournament: FC Podil (Kyiv), FA Kudrivka (Irpin), FC Kolos (Kovalivka), FC Prohres (Kyiv), YFC Brovary (Brovary), and FC Dynamik (Kyiv).

Photo by Dan Balashov

Legendary Ukrainian footballer and UAF Professional Football Committee head Oleg Luzhnyi greeted the participants during the awards ceremony: "I want to thank all participants and organizers of this tournament. Congratulations to the winners! I believe that to achieve success, one must work hard and improve continuously, and everything will turn out well. I wish us all victory! I hope that the next tournament will be held in a peaceful country. Glory to Ukraine!"

Development Cup 2024. Play-Offs

5th-6th Place Match

FA Kudrivka (Irpin) YFC Brovary (Brovary) - 2:3

3rd Place Match

FC Prohres (Kyiv) - FC Dynamik (Kyiv) - 3:1

Final

FC Podil (Kyiv) - FC Kolos (Kovalivka) - 2:4

Photo by Dan Balashov