The social project "League of the Best" from the Ukrainian Football Association for the development of amputee football has become a laureate of the UEFA Grassroots Awards 2025/26 in the category of Best Disability Initiative. This is the first such award in the history of Ukrainian football and the main award in mass football.

UEFA Grassroots Awards - one of the most prestigious awards of the European Football Union, recognizing the best initiatives in mass and adaptive football. The gold medal in the category Best Disability Initiative is awarded to projects that are most effectively promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities into football.

Photo UEFA

The ceremony took place on March 31 at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. On behalf of the Ukrainian Football Association, Oleh Balbek received the award, Director for Strategic Development and Stability of the UAF, CEO of the UAF Foundation:

"For the first time in Ukraine's history, we have received a gold UEFA Grassroots Award - and I regret that this project was even necessary.

"The League of the Best emerged from the war. In just over a year, it grew into what we genuinely take pride in: 21 clubs across Ukraine, official competitions - and already this weekend, the second Ukrainian championship in amputee football is starting. What began as an intuitive response to a crisis has become a national project.

Most of our players are veterans and veteranesses who lost their limbs defending Ukraine. Amputee football has given them purpose, community, and a sense of personal strength.

This award is not only recognition. It's responsibility. The war is not yet over. New players will come to us for reasons none of us want. From the players I have learned one thing: individuals do not win battles. A team is needed. As in the fight against evil - a coalition is needed. Thank you. Glory to Ukraine»

Photo UEFA

Second international recognition for the "League of the Best"

This is the second prestigious award from UEFA for the "League of the Best". In 2025, the project won the UEFA FootbALL Awards in the category of "National Association" - alongside such laureates as the English Premier League and clubs Everton and Liverpool.

Two international recognitions within a year of existence is testimony to the fact that Ukraine is forming one of the most prominent social football projects in Europe.

About the "League of the Best"

Before the launch of the "League of the Best" in Ukraine, there were only four amateur amputee football teams. In just one year, the UAF initiative helped create and develop 21 teams from 18 cities.

The project creates opportunities for veterans and veteranesses of war, as well as people with amputations or impairments in their limbs, to undergo rehabilitation through football, return to professional sports, and find a team of like-minded individuals in their city.

Starting from the beginning of April, the UAF is launching the 2026 Ukrainian Championship in amputee football within the "League of the Best" project. 18 teams in Super League and First Division will compete for the title over five rounds - from April to October. The winner of the Super League will represent Ukraine in the League of Champions EAFF - the main club tournament of the European Football Federation for people with amputations.

Photo UAF