Shakhtar Social: international sports camp for children in Italy
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
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Shakhtar Social continues to support Ukrainian children through sports initiatives as part of the Pace for Health project
In July, the Shakhtar Social foundation organised an international sports camp for Ukrainian children in Catania, Italy, as part of the Pace for Health project supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Sport programme.
The trip brought together 30 young footballers, most of whom have internally displaced person (IDP) status and were forced to leave their homes because of the full-scale war. The main aim of the initiative was to provide the children with a safe space for physical recovery and psychological relief.
The camp programme included daily football training sessions with Ukrainian and Italian specialists, team games, adaptive physical activities and events dedicated to intercultural exchange.
One of the highlights was a trip to Palermo, where the children visited the Renzo Barbera Stadium, went inside the dressing rooms and learned more about the history of Palermo FC during a tour of the official museum. As a memento of their fruitful cooperation, Shakhtar Social presented their Italian partners with an official Shakhtar FC match ball.
The trip brought together 30 young footballers, most of whom have internally displaced person (IDP) status and were forced to leave their homes because of the full-scale war. The main aim of the initiative was to provide the children with a safe space for physical recovery and psychological relief.
The camp programme included daily football training sessions with Ukrainian and Italian specialists, team games, adaptive physical activities and events dedicated to intercultural exchange.
One of the highlights was a trip to Palermo, where the children visited the Renzo Barbera Stadium, went inside the dressing rooms and learned more about the history of Palermo FC during a tour of the official museum. As a memento of their fruitful cooperation, Shakhtar Social presented their Italian partners with an official Shakhtar FC match ball.
This project gave all the participants invaluable experience, new friends and the warmest memories. I’m convinced that these emotions will live on in the memories of everyone who was part of this journey for a long time to come
Oleh Yurkin, children’s camp coach:
– First of all, I would like to thank Shakhtar Social and the Pace for Health project for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful initiative. These days flew by in the blink of an eye, leaving us with countless vivid impressions and unforgettable emotions. Relaxing by the incredible sea, discovering a beautiful country, meeting sincere people and staying in comfortable conditions made this trip truly special. And, of course, football. As we often emphasised, football is a universal language that brings people together. Our children easily connected and interacted with their peers from Italy, Lithuania and even other continents. This project gave all the participants invaluable experience, new friends and the warmest memories. I’m convinced that these emotions will live on in the memories of everyone who was part of this journey for a long time to come.
The trip concluded with a special closing ceremony attended by representatives of the local authorities in Sicily, including Palermo, where the children received commemorative medals, certificates and gifts.
The Pace for Health project continues to be implemented by the Shakhtar Social foundation to support the mental and physical health of children and young people in Ukraine through sport.
– First of all, I would like to thank Shakhtar Social and the Pace for Health project for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful initiative. These days flew by in the blink of an eye, leaving us with countless vivid impressions and unforgettable emotions. Relaxing by the incredible sea, discovering a beautiful country, meeting sincere people and staying in comfortable conditions made this trip truly special. And, of course, football. As we often emphasised, football is a universal language that brings people together. Our children easily connected and interacted with their peers from Italy, Lithuania and even other continents. This project gave all the participants invaluable experience, new friends and the warmest memories. I’m convinced that these emotions will live on in the memories of everyone who was part of this journey for a long time to come.
The trip concluded with a special closing ceremony attended by representatives of the local authorities in Sicily, including Palermo, where the children received commemorative medals, certificates and gifts.
The Pace for Health project continues to be implemented by the Shakhtar Social foundation to support the mental and physical health of children and young people in Ukraine through sport.
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