This initiative is aimed at supporting and developing football at the regional level in Ukraine. With a clear regulation, it offers funding for the implementation of football projects designed to improve infrastructure, enhance training processes, and support local initiatives. The program aims not only to develop football but also to promote social integration, cultural exchange, and national unity, especially during the post-war recovery period.

Goal of the Program

The "Start Playing" program aims to support the development of football in Ukraine, particularly in regions where conditions for this are limited. It promotes the development of infrastructure for football clubs, enhances training processes, and fosters socialization through football. Specifically, the program supports projects aimed at attracting young talents, developing inclusive initiatives, post-war recovery, and creating equal opportunities for resource-limited regions.

Who Can Apply?

The "Start Playing" program is open to organizations involved in the development of football at the regional level. Applications can be submitted by:

• regional football associations;
• local football clubs;
• children's football academies;
• general education schools;
• children and youth sports schools;
• para-sport and its structural subdivisions;
• federations, associations, and unions of football (including beach soccer, futsal, electronic football, veteran's football).

Applications can be submitted individually or in collaboration with partners.

Project Areas

The funding program covers various areas of football development, including:

• attracting football clubs and teams at the regional level;
• improving infrastructure for football fields, stadiums, and training bases;
• supporting youth and children's football teams (children's and youth football);
• raising the qualifications of coaches and sports professionals;
• developing inclusive football programs that involve people with disabilities;
• organizing tournaments and competitions, involving communities in organizing sporting events.

Key Requirements for Projects

• Sustainable Impact: priority is given to projects that have a lasting impact on the development of football in the region even after their completion.
• Team Presence: the project must be implemented by a team with experience and reputation in the field of football.
• Partnership: it is important that other partners are involved in the project to ensure greater effectiveness.
• Implementation within 2025.

Funding Conditions

• Amount of Financial Support: applications can receive funding in the range from 50,000 to 500,000 hryvnias.
• No Advance Payment: after signing an agreement, funds will be provided without advance payment.
• No More Than 80% of the Budget: the program covers up to 80% of the project cost; the rest must be covered by the applicant organization or partners.
• Use of Funding: projects must be implemented by the end of 2025.
• Mandatory Reporting: recipients of funding must submit a report on the use of funds by February 15, 2026.

Application Deadlines

• Start of Application Acceptance: March 28, 2025.  
• Last Date for Applications: April 24, 2025.
• Announcement of Results: May 19, 2025.

How to Apply?

The application for funding is submitted by filling out an electronic form via the link.

Along with the application, it is necessary to attach a project budget and relevant documents confirming the registration of the organization, bank account, and other documents specified in the regulation.

Evaluation of Applications

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including:

• relevance of the project for the region;
• societal orientation of the project;
• level of organizational capacity;
• realism of budget and implementation timelines.

Football starts with small steps. Start your game today!

Contact for inquiries: 096 660 80 69.