The past weekend at the Sofiyivsky Sports Complex concluded the first round of the Superleague championship in Ukrainian ampersand football-2026. Three tours, eight teams, two game days — and the tournament table already promises a sharp battle until the very final.

Match broadcasts were available on the Official Ukraine FA YouTube channel and media service MEGOGO.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Opening Ceremony

Representatives of state institutions, partners, and diplomatic community gathered for the solemnities. On behalf of each club, representatives also spoke at the ceremony.

Opening remarks were made by Olena Balbek, Director of Strategic Development and Stability at the Ukrainian Football Association (UFA) Foundation CEO:

«This year «Liga Dugikh» has taken a big step forward — today it already includes over 800 players, coaches, referees, and administrative staff united by ampersand football, as well as thousands who support this movement. UFA President Andriy Shevchenko and representatives of the association always mention «Liga Dugikh» at international level — during official meetings, matches with the national team, business trips, and communications with partners. We sincerely thank everyone who has joined this project. Without your support, none of this would have been possible. I wish all players exciting and strong games!»

Photo: Dan Balashov

«For the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the main priority is that in every city, in each district, a coach should train all age groups. Sport must be for everyone!» — noted Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Serhiy Timofeev.

Photo: Dan Balashov

«We have already become a big family — and this is the most pleasing. Each such meeting shows how quickly this movement is growing. Looking at all of you today, there is no doubt: there is a future in this football», — noted Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Ruslan Pryhodko.

Photo: Dan Balashov

«The fact that Ukraine is developing ampersand football during the war deserves the highest respect. This is already noticed at an international level. Thanks to „Liga Dugikh“, something much more than sports is being formed — a community that supports and strengthens», — noted Consul of Germany Liisa Gaike.

Tournament Studio

For the first time in the history of the tournament, broadcasts were accompanied by a studio. Hosted by Alina Sandul, head of media department «Liga Dugikh». Guests included Bogdan Melnyk, Olena Balbek, and Kostiantyn Koleshenko. The round results were summarized in the final studio together with commentator Daniil Veretin.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Highlights of the First Round

1. Verbenian Sunday. The final day fell on a holiday. Players greeted each other with verbenas, initiating a new good tradition for the championship.

2. Renewed «Crusaders». Lutsk team emerged in a new uniform and with a new logo. On April 22-26, they will represent Ukraine in the EAFF European Championship.

3. A Special Goal. Captain of «Pokrov AM», Yurii Sushch, celebrated scoring a goal by hiding the ball under his shirt — soon there would be an addition to his family.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Further Plans

April 25-26 (Hmelnytskyi): First round of the First League. Ten teams (six of which are debutants) will make their first appearance on the field.

May 2-3 (Lutsk): Second round of the Superleague.

Broadcasts of all championship matches are available on the UFA YouTube channel and MEGOGO media service.

The championship is organized by the Ukrainian Football Association and the UFA Foundation with support from the Ministry for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the Agency for Mass Sports of Ukraine, and exclusive partner «Liga Dugikh» — Mastercard and Oщадbank.

Official partners of the project: brand «Lvivskyy», SOCAR Ukraine, and Canadian-Ukrainian Foundation. Project partners: MEGOGO, Adidas, and «MXP Together».