This past weekend, on January 11–12, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) hosted the inaugural Winter Cup of the League of Mighty, the first amputee football tournament for amateur teams in Ukraine. This event marked a significant step in promoting inclusive sports and showcased the unique and exciting nature of amputee football.
The Winter Cup of the League of Mighty represents the first stage in creating a comprehensive competition system for amputee football in Ukraine. UAF plans to prioritize the development of this sport in the coming years.
Many of the players were veterans, for whom football has become an integral part of physical and psychological rehabilitation. For several participants, this tournament featured their first official matches, goals, interviews, and victories.
The event also highlighted the important mission of amputee football: helping individuals with limb amputations or impairments return to an active lifestyle, find inspiration through sports, and overcome physical and emotional challenges.
The historic tournament featured five teams: AMP FC Kyiv, MSC Dnipro, FC Pokrova AMP, FC Pokrova-2, and Shakhtar Stalevi.
A total of 11 matches were played. The top scorers were Yuriy Sushch and Dmytro Kuts from FC Pokrova-2, each netting two goals.
The inaugural Winter Cup of the League of Mighty champions were FC Pokrova-2 from Lviv, with AMP FC Kyiv finishing as runners-up.
The scorer of the winning goal in the final, as well as the tournament’s first-ever goal, Dmytro Kuts, joined the military back in 2013. Later came the war and a severe injury caused by a landmine explosion near Klishchiivka...
“This is very important for veterans. Amputee football provides a chance to rehabilitate and rejoin society. Thanks to football, I don’t even notice that I’m missing a leg”, - Kuts said.
“Our team was only recently formed, and we’re the only mixed team with both men and women. To take second place in our first tournament is amazing! Sports are the best form of rehabilitation for individuals with limb amputations, and every game boosts our confidence and experience, especially after such achievements.” - Olha Benda, a player for AMP FC Kyiv, emphasized the significance of the event.
Shakhtar Stalevi – MSC Dnipro – 0:0
FC Pokrova AMP – FC Pokrova-2 – 0:1
AMP FC Kyiv – Shakhtar Stalevi – 2:0
MSC Dnipro – FC Pokrova AMP – 0:0
FC Pokrova AMP – AMP FC Kyiv – 0:1
FC Pokrova-2 – MSC Dnipro – 4:0
AMP FC Kyiv – FC Pokrova-2 – 0:1
Shakhtar Stalevi – FC Pokrova AMP – 1:1
MSC Dnipro – AMP FC Kyiv – 1:0
FC Pokrova-2 – Shakhtar Stalevi – 1:0
FC Pokrova-2 – AMP FC Kyiv – 1:0
UAF extends its gratitude to socially responsible partners adidas and Lvivske, ICTV2 as the media partner, and UPL TV for broadcasting the final. Special thanks to FC Dynamo Kyiv for hosting the event.
