The initiative is aimed at supporting football projects that unite communities, help children and youth, promote inclusion, and adapt veterans — despite the challenges of wartime.

Within the competition framework, organizers received 171 applications from all corners of Ukraine. From these, the jury selected nine strong projects that already demonstrate today that football is not just a game but a powerful tool for change.

Winners of the «Start the Game» program

«Project 10 locations — 3,000 participants» (Odessa) — 52,000 UAH. Updating football equipment for more than 10 locations in the city will allow tournaments to be held for 3,000 children and amateurs. The project will provide safe conditions, quality equipment, and promote the growth of mass football in the city.

«Together on the field», DFK «Berezhany» (Kyiv) — 500,000 UAH. Creating an inclusive football group for children with various physical, mental, and social needs. This is a space of equality, acceptance, and emotional support through play, where every child has the opportunity to feel joy from football.

«Dream Club — Football for Life» (Rivne/Gostomel) — 371,000 UAH. An innovative sports mentoring program for children affected by war. Coaches-mentors will work as psychological advisors helping children adapt, overcome losses, and regain inner strength through football.

«Game Form — Faith in Victory» — 86,500 UAH. Three teams from frontline communities — Druzhkivka, Pokrovsk, and Myrnyhrozdub — will receive new sports uniforms and be able to continue training and participating in competitions even during wartime.

«Girls Should Play Football» (Dnipropetrovsk region) — 350,000 UAH. Holding a championship among girls' teams in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Football will become an instrument of integration, support, and development for girls during difficult times, providing them with new opportunities for self-realization.

«Emerald Lawn» (Ternopil region) — 140,079 UAH. Purchasing a mini tractor-mower to maintain football fields. The project is an important part of the rehabilitation of veterans through participation in amputee football, competitions, and training within the «League of Giants».

«Kuzuba Ivan Hryhorovych Memorial Cup» — 50,000 UAH. Launching a tournament in honor of a fallen soldier and football activist. Ivan Kuzub was one of those who revived the football team of Sencha village from a decade-long dormancy in 2011. He died last year while performing combat duties. The cup will serve as an eternal memorial to the hero.

«Let's Restore Material and Technical Base Together» (Kharkiv region) — 257,600 UAH. Restoring the material and technical base of a sports facility damaged by shelling. Thanks to this project, the training process, equipment, and conditions for holding competitions will be restored in the affected region.

Installing an electronic scoreboard at LNU named after Ivan Franko stadium (Lviv) — 158,269 UAH. Improving sports infrastructure to develop youth and children's football in Lviv. A modern electronic scoreboard will enhance the organization of competitions and training processes.

Football as a Force for Change

Each winning project demonstrates a unique approach to using football as an instrument of positive change. From supporting children with special needs to rehabilitating veterans, from restoring damaged infrastructure to preserving the memory of heroes — the «Start the Game» program covers all aspects of social life.

The «Start the Game» program has become a shining example of how sports can unite, heal, and inspire even in the most difficult times. The nine winning projects are not only financial support for specific initiatives but also an investment in Ukraine's future where football serves as a bridge between people, communities, and generations.

The Foundation of the Ukrainian Football Association — a charitable foundation established by the Ukrainian Football Association that implements social projects and fundraising aimed at developing football in Ukraine. The main areas of activity of the Foundation include adaptive football, mass children's football, women's football, social support, and restoring sports infrastructure.

VBET Foundation — a charitable foundation that supports socially significant projects in Ukraine using sport as an instrument for positive change in society.