The social project of the Ukrainian Football Association for the development and promotion of amputee football, "League of Strength," has become a laureate of the prestigious UEFA FootbALL Awards 2025 in the category of "National Association."

This award is a sign of international recognition of the priority social direction of work at the UFA – the development of adaptive forms of football. The awarding took place during the UEFA RESPECT forum in Zurich (Switzerland).

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"In Ukraine, there are over three million people with disabilities, and since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, this number has only increased. I am convinced that we need to rethink the very concept of 'disability' and focus not on limitations but on the opportunities these individuals have. It is precisely such an environment of equal opportunities that we are creating," — emphasized President of the UFA Andriy Shevchenko.

Before launching the "League of Strength" project in Ukraine, there were only four amateur teams playing amputee football. In less than a year, the initiative of the UFA has already united 13 teams from all corners of the country. The project gave veterans, veteran women, as well as people with amputated limbs or impaired function of one limb the opportunity to return to sports, feel team support and undergo rehabilitation through amputee football.

This weekend will see the second national tournament in amputee football. Simultaneously, the association is actively preparing for the launch of the first-ever Ukrainian championship in amputee football.

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"Amputee football is a popular sport around the world. But in Ukraine, it has even deeper meaning. Most of our players are war veterans and veteran women who were civilians just a few years ago and played football in their free time. Today they return to the field as athletes. We create an environment where what they have lost does not define them – rather, it is their strength of spirit, resilience, and incredible potential that defines them. Through this lens, the world sees the face of Ukrainian society – inclusive, goal-oriented, and unbreakable," — noted the UFA President's Advisor on Communication and Social Projects Olena Balbek.

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Along with the Ukrainian Football Association, this year's award winners include: The English Premier League, clubs "Everton" and "Liverpool," as well as legendary player and coach Caroline Morace.

This is yet another international recognition of the fact that Ukrainian football occupies leading positions not only on the field but also in social initiatives.

The Ukrainian Football Association expresses gratitude for trust and support to socially responsible businesses: Mastercard & Oschadbank, adidas, brand "Lvivske," MEGOGO, ICTV, as well as the Norwegian Football Association and the Royal Belgian Football Association.