The first half of the year under Mykola Belyi's leadership became a period of renewal and action for the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Football Association. Together with the new team, he began systematic work — restoring, uniting, and developing football in a region living alongside the front line.

Despite challenges, the ZOFA is gradually building a modern, vibrant, and united system — from children's sections to international partnerships.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Football for Children — An Investment in the Future

In half a year, dozens of opportunities have been restored and created for children's and youth football:

— competitions. Young athletes from Zaporizhzhia Oblast participate in interregional and international tournaments. Teams are represented in all leagues of the DNUFL — from Elite to First;

— debut of a girls' team. This year, FC "Cosmos" (Zaporizhzhia) made its first appearance at the Development Cup;

— football in schools. Thirty-nine new sections have been opened, including on the premises of educational institutions with offline learning;

— infrastructure. Five multifunctional sports courts have been built in "underground" schools — where children can train safely. By year-end, another 12 are planned to open.

A special pride is the "School Ball" tournament, which has returned after a break and will once again unite over 110 teams. 

Photo ZOFA

Football as a Path to Recovery — from Veterans to Professionals

In the frontline region, football has become not just a game but a way to support each other and maintain hope for life:

— a friendly match was held between veterans of football and the National Guard — as a symbol of unity across generations and gratitude to defenders;

— an amputee football team "Sich" has been created, which has already participated in a festival in memory of fallen soldier-footballers in Brovary and is preparing for the Autumn Cup of the Strong League.

And alongside these stories of humanity and strength — an example of professional resilience: FC "Metallurg" (Zaporizhzhia) continues to compete in the First League, preserving the football dream of thousands of Zaporizhians. 

Photo ZOFA

"Metallurg" — New Identity and Generational Unity

This summer, the ZOFA initiated a visual identity update for SK "Metallurg," uniting this club with the entire football community. On July 22 at the Slavutych Arena, the presentation of the new logo — a symbol of the club's and region's rebirth — took place.

This is not just a redesign but also an update to the club's philosophy that unites football with other sports under the common sign of Zaporizhzhia.

The project was supported by well-known footballers, graduates of Zaporizhzhian football — Serhiy Sydorchuk, Taras Stepanenko, Serhiy Krivtsov, Serhiy Chobotenko, Eduard Sarapiy, and Volodymyr Brachko.

Photo ZOFA

The ZOFA also initiated meetings of children with professional footballers. Thus, this summer Eduard Sarapiy visited Zaporizhzhia and interacted with young players offline, while Serhiy Krivtsov joined an online meeting. Such events are planned to be held systematically so that the youth can see those who have reached the top but do not forget where they started.

Football for All: From Futsal to Beach Fields

The Zaporizhzhian region demonstrates an example of diversity in football formats:

— futsal. A program "Futsal in Every Gym" has been launched, 15 championships at various levels have been held — among veterans, VPO and community organizations;

— women's football. A development program has been initiated, supporting girls' teams, including FC "Cosmos";

— beach soccer. Infrastructure formation and regular tournaments under the auspices of ZOFA have begun (an active, youth-oriented, and emotional format).

Photo ZOFA

Team Behind the Scenes: Football Management and Education

The ZOFA is focusing on systematicity and education:

— 16 coaches and 36 physical education teachers received D-diplomas from the UAF;

— 14 referees are undergoing training at the regional football referee school.

These are the first steps towards creating a new generation of professionals who will develop football in the region on a professional level.

Photo ZOFA

Unity Through Football: Partnerships and International Cooperation

The ZOFA actively collaborates with local authorities, communities, partners, and international institutions.

In July, the head of ZOFA Mykola Belyi participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, where meetings took place with representatives of FIGC, Lega Serie A, FC Inter Youth Centre, and FIGC Lombardia.

Agreements reached include:

— programs for children's health and VPO;

— internships for coaches and managers;

— exchange of experience in football management;

— development of inclusive and social projects.

This summer, over 200 children from Zaporizhzhia Oblast have already rested and recuperated at sports camps across Ukraine.

Photo ZOFA

Memoir and Pride: Museum and Encyclopedia of Zaporizhzhian Football

The ZOFA initiated the creation of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Football Museum — a space where information about the history of the game in the region will be collected (exhibits on player-defenders, fan culture, VR zone "Time Machine," which will allow experiencing emotions from legendary matches).

Parallel to this, an Encyclopedia of Zaporizhzhian Football is being prepared, which will systematize events, records, and names of people who made this history.

Photo ZOFA

This Is Just the Beginning

The first half of the year under Mykola Belyi's leadership became a period of renewal and action for the new team at the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Football Association. The foundation has already been laid for systematic football development in the frontline region. Ahead — new projects that will inspire and be talked about across Ukraine. For football sounds louder than poppies.