Liga Duzhyk Receives Gold Award at UEFA Grassroots Awards 2025/26

Liga Duzhyk, a pioneering project dedicated to adaptive football in Ukraine, has made history by receiving the Gold Award at the UEFA Grassroots Awards 2025/26. This remarkable achievement is significant as it represents the first award of its kind in the history of Ukrainian football, highlighting the importance of grassroots sports in the country. According to the press service of the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF), the award was presented during a formal ceremony held at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

The UEFA Grassroots Awards are among the most prestigious recognitions granted by the European football governing body. They celebrate the best initiatives in grassroots and adaptive football, with the Gold Award in the Best Disability Initiative category being awarded to projects that most effectively promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in football. This underscores the critical importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities in sports, a topic that resonates deeply in contemporary society.

Liga Duzhyk is no stranger to accolades, having previously been recognized at the UEFA FootbALL Awards in 2025 in the National Association category. At that time, the project received accolades alongside renowned entities such as the English Premier League and clubs like Everton and Liverpool. This recognition speaks volumes about the high caliber of Liga Duzhyk’s work and its substantial contribution to the development of adaptive football in Ukraine.

It is essential to note that Liga Duzhyk is actively engaged in promoting football among individuals with disabilities, creating conditions that facilitate their participation in sports. The initiative implements various programs aimed at developing the skills of athletes with special needs while also fostering their socialization and integration into society. The UEFA Grassroots Award serves as recognition of these efforts and as motivation for continued work in this vital area.

The award ceremony in Nyon exemplified the importance of supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of grassroots sports and inclusivity. Liga Duzhyk continues to expand its reach, engaging more individuals in football regardless of their physical abilities. This not only promotes the growth of the sport but also helps to shape a positive image of Ukraine on the international stage.

In light of this achievement, Liga Duzhyk calls upon all concerned individuals to join their cause by supporting initiatives that advance adaptive football. Each of us can contribute to this important mission, as sports should unite people, irrespective of their abilities.

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