Second amputee football conference: development and international experience
Friday, August 22, 2025
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On Thursday, August 21, Unit.City in Kyiv hosted the Second Ukrainian Adaptive Football Conference organized by Shakhtar Social
The development of adaptive football is one of the key areas of activity for the Shakhtar Social foundation and FC Shakhtar, which together create new opportunities for people with amputated limbs – both soldiers and civilians affected by the war. Shakhtar Social held the Second Ukrainian Adaptive Football Conference, bringing together coaches, rehabilitation specialists, representatives of public organisations and international experts. The partner organisation FANT made a significant contribution to the preparation and running of the event.
We see society’s interest in amputee football and FC Shakhtar will continue to develop this direction, creating opportunities for people with amputated limbs
Yurii Svyrydov, FC Shakhtar Director of Strategy and Communications:
– We see society’s interest in amputee football and FC Shakhtar will continue to develop this direction, creating opportunities for people with amputated limbs. I’m sincerely grateful to every defender of Ukraine for making it possible for us to teach children and enjoy football today. I want amputee football in Ukraine to reach a serious, systematic level.
Participants of the event had the opportunity to hear presentations from leading international experts in amputee football, including Cecilie Hauerberg, Head of Secretariat at FANT, Lucie Venet, Executive Director of the Olympique de Marseille charitable organisation, Rahmi Özcan, captain of the Turkish national amputee football team, Erik Lamberg, President of the American Amputee Soccer Association; as well as British specialists Luke Howard (Arsenal FC) and Luke Frost (Brighton & Hove Albion FC).
– We see society’s interest in amputee football and FC Shakhtar will continue to develop this direction, creating opportunities for people with amputated limbs. I’m sincerely grateful to every defender of Ukraine for making it possible for us to teach children and enjoy football today. I want amputee football in Ukraine to reach a serious, systematic level.
Participants of the event had the opportunity to hear presentations from leading international experts in amputee football, including Cecilie Hauerberg, Head of Secretariat at FANT, Lucie Venet, Executive Director of the Olympique de Marseille charitable organisation, Rahmi Özcan, captain of the Turkish national amputee football team, Erik Lamberg, President of the American Amputee Soccer Association; as well as British specialists Luke Howard (Arsenal FC) and Luke Frost (Brighton & Hove Albion FC).
Today, we already have around 14 amputee football teams and are very close to ensuring that in every region, boys and girls who want to play amputee football have access to training and social rehabilitation within a single community
Vitalii Manko, Project Manager of the League of the Mighty:
– We conducted an analysis of the development of amputee football over the year since the first such conference and can note that initiatives like this are extremely important steps in the development of this sport. In fact, the level of amputee football in Ukraine is rapidly growing: today, we already have around 14 amputee football teams and are very close to ensuring that in every region, boys and girls who want to play amputee football have access to training and social rehabilitation within a single community. Amputee football teams in Ukraine are very open to people who are interested in the sport.
During the conference, speakers shared international experience in organising amputee football teams, player engagement programmes, collaboration with charitable and medical organisations, as well as effective methods of promoting the sport. In addition to international experts, Ukrainian rehabilitation specialists, coaches and amputee football players also took part in the programme, presenting practical approaches to the development of the sport.
– We conducted an analysis of the development of amputee football over the year since the first such conference and can note that initiatives like this are extremely important steps in the development of this sport. In fact, the level of amputee football in Ukraine is rapidly growing: today, we already have around 14 amputee football teams and are very close to ensuring that in every region, boys and girls who want to play amputee football have access to training and social rehabilitation within a single community. Amputee football teams in Ukraine are very open to people who are interested in the sport.
During the conference, speakers shared international experience in organising amputee football teams, player engagement programmes, collaboration with charitable and medical organisations, as well as effective methods of promoting the sport. In addition to international experts, Ukrainian rehabilitation specialists, coaches and amputee football players also took part in the programme, presenting practical approaches to the development of the sport.
Amputee football creates an emotional space for people who have faced challenges and helps them maintain a sense of purpose in life
Cecilie Hauerberg, Head of Secretariat at FANT (For a New Tomorrow):
– I believe that amputee football in Ukraine has great potential and many initiatives have already been launched in the country to promote it. I’m truly impressed by how rapidly the level of amputee football has grown in such a short time. Amputee football creates an emotional space for people who have faced challenges and helps them maintain a sense of purpose in life. During the event, it was inspiring to observe research and hear personal stories from the players. Conferences like this are extremely important and it is equally significant to witness the public’s interest in them.
Amputee football plays a key role in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of people with amputations. Regular training and participation in competitions improve physical fitness, coordination and endurance. At the same time, the sport provides motivation, support and social interaction, helping participants overcome the emotional consequences of injuries and regain self-confidence.
FC Shakhtar encourages the Ukrainian football community and sports organisations to support people with amputated limbs. Many of them are those who, risking their lives and health, defend Ukraine on the front lines.
– I believe that amputee football in Ukraine has great potential and many initiatives have already been launched in the country to promote it. I’m truly impressed by how rapidly the level of amputee football has grown in such a short time. Amputee football creates an emotional space for people who have faced challenges and helps them maintain a sense of purpose in life. During the event, it was inspiring to observe research and hear personal stories from the players. Conferences like this are extremely important and it is equally significant to witness the public’s interest in them.
Amputee football plays a key role in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of people with amputations. Regular training and participation in competitions improve physical fitness, coordination and endurance. At the same time, the sport provides motivation, support and social interaction, helping participants overcome the emotional consequences of injuries and regain self-confidence.
FC Shakhtar encourages the Ukrainian football community and sports organisations to support people with amputated limbs. Many of them are those who, risking their lives and health, defend Ukraine on the front lines.
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