Small Salesian initiative has grown to include 300 youth

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian missionaries in Lviv, Ukraine*, are celebrating the growing success of the Pokrova AMP soccer team made up of youth who have undergone limb amputations during the war. What began two years ago as a small Salesian initiative has become a movement of hope. Today, there are more than 15 AMP soccer centers in the country with 300 youth players. Another Salesian team, the Tytany, was formed in Zhytomyr. A third Salesian team is in the process of forming.

The Ukrainian Soccer Federation organized the first AMP soccer championship with games taking place between August and December 2025. The Salesian Pokrova AMP team won the championship in this inaugural event. The official award ceremony took place in the presence of the minister of youth and sport and the minister for veterans. With the victory, the team will participate in the EAFF AMP Soccer Champions League in June 2026, while the Tytany took third place in its league.

Upon their return to Lviv, the team was officially welcomed by Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, who celebrated the historic victory together with the players. The team was also recognized as “Team of the Year of the City of Lviv”.

A Salesian explained, “Beyond sporting victories, the heart of this project is deeply Salesian. Working with these young people is not just a matter of sport, but a mission of human and spiritual rehabilitation. These young former soldiers and war amputees find in the Salesian centers a spirit of welcoming, family, support in difficult times and a new perspective on life. It is touching to see how young people from all corners of Ukraine travel hundreds of kilometers to be part of it and participate regularly in training sessions.”

Salesians thank the Salesian Mission Office in Bonn, Germany, which has supported the annual maintenance of sports activities and the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, which supported the soccer field where players train and practice. Further, Salesians thank the Salesian Mission Office in Beromünster, Switzerland, which has been helpful in the education of the players. Salesians also extend their gratitude to all the Salesian Mission offices and other benefactors who have supported and promoted these inclusive activities.

Salesians are now working on the creation of a large Sports and Rehabilitation Center for youth who have lost limbs in the war and for the children of the existing Salesian sports club.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Ukraine – The History of Salesian AMP Football in Ukraine: a victory of hope and rehabilitation

Salesian Missions

UNHCR – Ukraine

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.