Ministry of Youth and Sports Presents Vision for Ukrainian Sports: Club System, Federation Autonomy, and Olympic Lab
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine has taken a significant step towards developing the country's sports sector by initiating the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates the European sports model, education, science, and modern sports infrastructure.
During a press conference titled 'The Future of Ukrainian Sports' held in Kyiv on Thursday, Minister of Youth and Sports, Matviy Bidny, announced the ambitious plans aimed at transforming the sports landscape in Ukraine. He emphasized that the development of sports in Ukraine, akin to global trends, is founded on three key pillars: the European sports model, sports education, and sports science.
Bidny explained that the European sports model is designed to ensure mass participation in sports while also enhancing the capacity for the development of sports federations. 'This model is crucial for promoting widespread engagement in sports and ensuring that our federations can thrive,' he stated. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of sports education in training professionals who will elevate the standards of the industry, ensuring that all activities are conducted at a high level. Furthermore, he underscored the role of sports science as an indispensable companion and foundation for modern sports.
Among the key transformation vectors presented at the event, the club system emerged as a fundamental aspect of accessible sports. 'We are transitioning to the European model of sports clubs within communities. Our goal is to increase the level of public engagement in regular sports activities from 15% to 40% by 2032,' representatives from the Ministry of Sports noted.
Another critical facet of the reform is the autonomy and capacity of sports federations. Under the new initiatives, sports federations will receive enhanced tools for independent development and management, while the state will assume the role of a strategic partner, providing transparent regulations, financial and grant support, and implementing digital management standards.
Moreover, specialized higher education institutions, such as the National University of Physical Education and Sports, Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, and Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Boberetsky, will serve as foundational institutions for the new training system for sports professionals. 'Universities must prepare not only coaches but also multidisciplinary specialists capable of working with analytics, sports medicine, management, and modern psychology. This is the foundation for creating an ecosystem that supports athletes at all stages of their professional development,' the Ministry emphasized.
One of the innovations that will be part of this transformation is the Olympic Lab, a research hub aimed at driving innovation in Ukrainian sports. 'The Olympic Lab will become a 'living platform' for testing the latest recovery technologies and implementing innovative methodologies that will be integrated into the training programs of specialized universities,' the Ministry added.
In the context of the ongoing full-scale war, the ministry is also initiating the establishment of a network of accessible, efficient, and affordable multifunctional centers designed to support athletes and promote the development of sports in Ukraine. This initiative is particularly significant given the contemporary challenges facing the country.
It is worth noting that in November 2025, Minister Matviy Bidny presented a draft law titled 'On Sports', which aims to lay the groundwork for reforming the sports sector in Ukraine. This legislation is expected to be a crucial step towards improving conditions for the development of sports and supporting athletes at all levels.