Today, the House of Football hosted the annual award ceremony for the BEST XI-2024, which is one of the most significant events in domestic football. It is organized by the All-Ukrainian Association of Professional Footballers (VAFP) together with the Ukrainian Football Association (UFA), inspired by FIFPRO | FIFA World XI.

Photo courtesy of FC "Metalist 1925" media service

BEST XI is a unique format because the winners are chosen exclusively by professional footballers from all leagues.

The survey is conducted individually, as representatives of VAFP visit every professional team personally throughout September to November each year. Accordingly, in addition to voting itself, players receive information about educational, social, volunteer and other international projects of VAFP, consultations and assistance with educational and career issues, they are informed about legal aspects of labor rights compliance and contract obligations during the state of war.

Photo courtesy of FC "Metalist 1925" media service

As for the BEST XI project, these awards have special significance because they are a recognition from colleagues — people who best understand the complexity and importance of playing on the field. Within the framework of determining the symbolic women's team of the year in each category, the top 11 players (one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards) are selected, representing the highest level of skill and achievements throughout the year.

The absence of external influences or a jury makes the results objective and highly valued in football circles.

Photo courtesy of FC "Metalist 1925" media service

The project also aims to support and promote women's football. The separate determination of a symbolic women's team of the year encourages development in this area and draws attention to its achievements.

Women's BEST XI: Daria Kelyushchik («Kolos») — Olha Basanska («Metalist 1925»), Kateryna Korsun, Yana Kotyk (both — «Vorskla»), Kristine Aleksanyan («Metalist 1925») — Daria Apanshenko, Tamila Khymych (both — «Metalist 1925»), Veronika Andrukhiv («Kolos») — Roxolana Kravchuk, Yana Kalyina (both — «Vorskla»), Elizaveta Molodyk («Metalist 1925»).

Photo courtesy of FC "Metalist 1925" media service

«Today, we are celebrating the best women footballers in Ukraine — athletes who develop women's football in our country with their talent, perseverance and strength of character. Thanks to their efforts and support from the Ukrainian Football Association, this sport is gaining more popularity and reaching new heights.

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UFA has already taken significant steps to develop women's football, including developing a strategy for the coming years. It includes support for clubs and national teams as well as educational programs for coaches in cooperation with European associations and top clubs. Our coaches have opportunities to train abroad; a bright example is Iryna Andrushchak and Daria Apanshenko's internship at «Manchester City».

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Another important step was the revival of a winter cup among the top ten teams in Ukraine — Women's Winter Cup. This tournament contributes to raising the professional level of our footballers and increasing interest in women's football.

In addition, we made a significant breakthrough in protecting players' rights. The signed agreement with the union guarantees fair working conditions, social benefits, and player protection. Particularly important was securing maternity leave and transfer status rights. This is another indicator that women's football in Ukraine is becoming more protected and professional.

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I would like to express sincere gratitude to our footballers. You are true professionals who inspire future generations. Never give up, believe in your strength, because together we will definitely achieve new victories!

I would also like to mention our recent trip to Albania. I was impressed by the dedication and fighting spirit of the girls. You are true warriors, and I am captivated by how you play and defend your country's honor on the international stage. Your motivation and desire for victory is a great example for young generations.

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We will do everything possible from our side to support you and contribute to the further development of women's football in Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!» — said UFA President Andriy Shevchenko.

"It is very pleasant for me to be here because two years have passed, and we made the first steps towards restoring such a nice event.
Visiting clubs, in addition to voting, we pay great attention to those programs and projects that FIFA and UEFA offer us and which are implemented by the Ukrainian Football Association.

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This year, we finally achieved from FIFA a program concerning players who will not have contracts by the summer of this year but wish to play or those in whom certain situations arose at their clubs... We invite 30 such players to a three-week training camp that will take place at the beginning of June. We cover everything: accommodation, meals, high-standard training according to FIFA and FIFPRO standards. Scouts and coaches will come... As practice shows with men's teams, at least 40% of footballers who go through similar camps with us receive new contracts.» — noted the President of the All-Ukrainian Association of Professional Footballers, Igor Gatullin.

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«We are proud of you! It is an honor for me to see that women's football is truly gaining momentum, and we can observe its development. I would like to thank UFA President Andriy Shevchenko for his support and thank the entire Ukrainian Football Association team because you as a team on the field, and we as a team off the field care about you and strive to make women's football better today.» — noted Chairwoman of the Women's and Girls' Football Committee at UFA, Anastasiya Klypachenko.