Ukrainian Football's resilience shines through amid the devastation of war, showcasing not just the sport but the spirit of those who have fought and suffered.
On October evenings, the energy at Coram's Fields, north London, is vibrant as soccer matches occur. Among the players on the artificial greenery, two pitches host competitive social football, but the third showcases something uniquely impactful. Here, amputee teams from Scotland, Brighton, Arsenal, and Shakhtar Stalevi compete. These players are not just athletes—they are war victims, survivors of landmines, and those who have faced unimaginable challenges.
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, estimates suggest up to 100,000 Ukrainians have lost limbs. This staggering number illuminates the pressing need for rehabilitative frameworks, prompting the formation of amputee football teams. Andriy Shevchenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of Football, stated, "Football has a unique power to aid rehabilitation and recovery." For Shakhtar Stalevi, composed of 13 amputee players, the sport serves as both therapy and community.
Among the players, Andrii H., previously employed as a senior machine operator, recounts his harrowing experience. 'I was wounded on October 16, 2022, during the liberation of Kherson province, near Veremiivka. I stepped on a land mine; my foot was blown up, my heel looked like a rose.' Such stories reinforce the team's mission: providing hope and camaraderie to those whose lives have drastically changed.
Football connects these brave men, allowing them to rebuild after trauma. Following their tournament matches, many players gathered at a local pub, where they reminisced and shared experiences over the backdrop of news from their homeland. The players attracted attention, with tourists expressing admiration as they declined offered drinks, insisting their duty to serve extends beyond the battlefield.
This dedication to community and recovery resonates deeply. Tymofii, the youngest at just 14, poignantly shares how his world transformed following shrapnel injuries from missile strikes. Yet, at Shakhtar Stalevi, he finds brotherhood and spirit, feeling reinvigorated by soccer.
Training sessions occur thrice weekly, accessible to players coming from various rehabilitation centers or military duties. Their head coach, Bohdan, emphasizes the dual benefits of sport, reporting, "Sports helps them... when I see them play against other teams, they forget about everything." For the players, engaging with football means more than physical activity; it symbolizes resilience.
Meanwhile, the narrative of war intertwines with the broader football fraternity. Kolos Kovalivka recently resumed the Ukrainian Premier League season against Chornomorets Odesa, with notable soldier Dmytro Orel kicking off the match. Although Kolos fell to defeat, the importance of normalcy amid chaos remains prevalent. The previous day, the club mourned the loss of Mykyta Kalin, compounding the continuous grief overshadowing the sport.
Andriy Shevchenko, leading the Ukrainian Association of Football, mirrors the state of football with broader national sentiment. He noted, "We have two development scenarios: one for when the war continues and one for when it ends. These are very different visions." Currently, the emphasis rests on maintaining the sport amid crippling economic challenges and assuring financial stability for clubs.
There’s optimism laced within shared trials. Players like Denys Miroshnichenko acknowledge football's role as emotional escape, allowing fans to momentarily forget the relentless strife. "What they live, day after day, is heroic courage," he stated, reminding followers of the indomitable spirit of the human heart.
The uplifting moments juxtaposed against tragic losses create continuity for Ukrainian football. Shevchenko's vision intends to restore the sport to its pre-war vibrancy. Yet he also recognizes the immediate necessity of survival. Amid this duality of hope and hardship, clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk—endorsed by millionaire owner Rinat Akhmetov—forge onward, relying on investments to maintain their operational viability.
Despite setbacks on the international stage, the growing involvement of amputee football reflects forward momentum within the sport. Teams are being founded, and more players integrate back to the field. Andrii K., another player, expresses it well: "Shakhtar is bringing me back to life." Football is giving these men renewed purpose as they strive for excellence on and off the pitch.
With every dribble, pass, and goal, they counter the tragedies of war, forging paths of resilience and unity. On this pitch, pain transforms to hope, and camaraderie blossoms, reminding spectators and players alike why life—and football—must continue.