🇺🇦🦿In Ukraine, the invasion has left a huge number of people with serious physical and psychological injuries, including amputations. The figures are staggering, with some sources suggesting that there have been almost 100,000 amputations since February 2022.

🏥 Leading organisations are on the ground to help these victims, Protez Hub, Unbroken, Superhumans and many others less well known but just as impactful in their own communities.

⚽️ We want to be part of this effort and believe that sport, and amputee football in particular, could have a major impact on physical and psychological rehabilitation. The idea came about after we met Bogdan Melnyk in early 2023. Bogdan is the coach of the Pokrova team (https://www.instagram.com/pokrova_lviv_amp_football/)the first amputee football team to be set up in Ukraine, in Lviv.

Amputee football is not just a sport, it can create a long-term dynamic for many people who have lost a limb in conflict. As well as the physical benefits, such as improved mobility and strength, it can be a vital outlet for mental well-being, fostering camaraderie, confidence and a sense of purpose and achievement.

The Kickoff kit from The Small Projects Team

📣 We are launching a new programme to fund the creation of an amputee football club in each of the country's regions. The annual budget per team is between €25,000 and €30,000, but the basic grant we are offering to get the club off the ground is €5,000. This includes the following items: a set of 30 adapted crutches, training equipment (shirts, cones, balls, etc.), a set of shirts for 15 players, the salary for the trainer and medical staff for 3 months and the printing of a presentation brochure for distribution at a number of strategic points, particularly rehabilitation centres. We have already been able to finance the launch of a club in Odesa, Octopus Odesa (Ampfootball.od.ua) and are seeking funding for other clubs (-> make a donation).

🏆 Through the training of coaches and players, competitions and community involvement, these teams will become role models. They will initiate the development of this sport in their regions, oversee the creation of other teams in other towns and villages, and pave the way for the creation of a Ukrainian amputee football championship in 2025.

This championship will not only showcase the talent and determination of the athletes, but will also promote inclusion and unity within Ukrainian society.

We invite people and organisations motivated by this mission to join us. A presentation pack is available for donors, and an online form is available for clubs wishing to present their plans to create an "ampfootball" team. 

Together, let's build a future where everyone, whatever their abilities, has the opportunity to flourish and excel.