Unstoppable on the pitch: UAF's Winter Cup of the League of Mighty opens a new chapter in amputee football development

14.01.2025 13:00

This past weekend, on January 11–12, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) hosted the inaugural Winter Cup of the League of Mighty, the first amputee football tournament for amateur teams in Ukraine. This event marked a significant step in promoting inclusive sports and showcased the unique and exciting nature of amputee football.

The Winter Cup of the League of Mighty represents the first stage in creating a comprehensive competition system for amputee football in Ukraine. UAF plans to prioritize the development of this sport in the coming years.

Photo by Dan Balashov

Many of the players were veterans, for whom football has become an integral part of physical and psychological rehabilitation. For several participants, this tournament featured their first official matches, goals, interviews, and victories.

The event also highlighted the important mission of amputee football: helping individuals with limb amputations or impairments return to an active lifestyle, find inspiration through sports, and overcome physical and emotional challenges.

Photo by Dan Balashov

“Football has a unique power to aid rehabilitation and recovery. Ukraine is home to over 100,000 people with limb amputations, many of whom are soldiers injured while defending our country. This first UAF amputee football tournament demonstrates that nothing is impossible when there is determination and a supportive team,” said UAF President Andriy Shevchenko at the tournament’s opening.

Photo by Dan Balashov

The historic tournament featured five teams: AMP FC Kyiv, MSC Dnipro, FC Pokrova AMP, FC Pokrova-2, and Shakhtar Stalevi.

A total of 11 matches were played. The top scorers were Yuriy Sushch and Dmytro Kuts from FC Pokrova-2, each netting two goals.

The inaugural Winter Cup of the League of Mighty champions were FC Pokrova-2 from Lviv, with AMP FC Kyiv finishing as runners-up.

The scorer of the winning goal in the final, as well as the tournament’s first-ever goal, Dmytro Kuts, joined the military back in 2013. Later came the war and a severe injury caused by a landmine explosion near Klishchiivka...

Photo by Dan Balashov

“This is very important for veterans. Amputee football provides a chance to rehabilitate and rejoin society. Thanks to football, I don’t even notice that I’m missing a leg”, - Kuts said.

Photo by Dan Balashov

“Our team was only recently formed, and we’re the only mixed team with both men and women. To take second place in our first tournament is amazing! Sports are the best form of rehabilitation for individuals with limb amputations, and every game boosts our confidence and experience, especially after such achievements.” - Olha Benda, a player for AMP FC Kyiv, emphasized the significance of the event.

Photo by Dan Balashov

Winter Cup of the League of Mighty (January 11–12, 2025)

Round 1

Shakhtar Stalevi – MSC Dnipro – 0:0 

FC Pokrova AMP – FC Pokrova-2 – 0:1

Round 2

AMP FC Kyiv – Shakhtar Stalevi – 2:0

MSC Dnipro – FC Pokrova AMP – 0:0

Round 3

FC Pokrova AMP – AMP FC Kyiv – 0:1

FC Pokrova-2 – MSC Dnipro – 4:0

Round 4

AMP FC Kyiv – FC Pokrova-2 – 0:1

Shakhtar Stalevi – FC Pokrova AMP – 1:1

Round 5

MSC Dnipro – AMP FC Kyiv – 1:0

FC Pokrova-2 – Shakhtar Stalevi – 1:0

Final

FC Pokrova-2 – AMP FC Kyiv – 1:0

UAF extends its gratitude to socially responsible partners adidas and Lvivske, ICTV2 as the media partner, and UPL TV for broadcasting the final. Special thanks to FC Dynamo Kyiv for hosting the event.

Photo by Dan Balashov

About the League of Mighty and Amputee Football

The League of Mighty is a social initiative by UAF aimed at helping individuals with limb amputations or impairments return to active life and find inspiration through sports.

Amputee Football is a sport for individuals with limb amputations or congenital limb differences. Teams consist of seven players (six outfield players and a goalkeeper). Outfield players must have a lower limb amputation or impairment, while goalkeepers must have an upper limb amputation or impairment. Players use crutches and do not wear prosthetics during play. Matches are 25 minutes per half with a 10-minute break. The field size is 60x40 meters, and adapted football rules emphasize player safety. Amputee football includes men’s, women’s, and mixed teams, promoting inclusivity and inspiring with its spirit of determination and teamwork.