A children's football tournament in memory of the founder of the Association of Amateur Football of Ukraine and patron of national sports, Fedor Shpig, took place in Kobizhcha, Chernihiv region.

At the opening ceremony, representatives from the Executive Committee of the Association of Amateur Football of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Football Association, member of UEFA's mass football commission Oleksandr Kadynko, and deputy mayor of Bobrovets Serhiy Tsyba welcomed guests.

Six teams from Bobrovetska and Novobassanska communities participated in the competition, including children born in 2012 and younger. Initially, the teams were divided into two groups. Then, the best of them competed for prize places. In the match for third place, "Sokil" (Markivtsi) defeated "Dzhur" (Novyi Bikiv). The final was contested between "DYUSSH-1" and "DYUSSH-2" from Bobrovets. "DYUSSH-1" emerged victorious.

The best goalkeeper of the tournament was Danylo Pilypenko from "Yunost" (Kobizhcha), the best defender - Yevhenia Zamala ("DYUSSH-2"), and the best forward - Oleksandra Kulisha from "Sokol" (Markivtsi). The prize for the best player went to Maxim Shaposhnyk from "DYUSSH-1".

After the end of the competition, Oleksandr Kadynko presented cups, football uniforms, and balls to all teams, as well as medals and certificates from the Association of Amateur Football of Ukraine and the Fedor Shpig Foundation directly to players.

"Only thanks to our armed forces can such children's tournaments take place now. Our children need to develop, compete, become professional footballers. This is exactly what Fedir Shpig always emphasized. Therefore, our task is to continue the football traditions of 'Leather Ball', which was overseen by Fedir Ivanovich. Special thanks go to his sons, Andriy and Oleksandr, who are continuing their father's work. So children's football in Ukraine will live on!" - said Oleksandr Kadynko.

We remind you that Fedir Shpig was the president of the Association of Amateur Football of Ukraine from its establishment in 1998 until his tragic death in a car accident in 2020. Founder of AAFU, Ukrainian banker, patron of national sports and culture, honored economist of Ukraine, head of the supervisory board of the National Academic Drama Theater named after Ivan Franko.

This is just a brief overview of Fedor Ivanovich's social activities. In memory of his good deeds, children's football tournaments will be held annually by supporting Ukrainian 'Leather Ball' and adhering to the principle "Investments in children - investments in the future."