Initiative now a national movement with 8 teams

(MissionNewswire) Father Mykhaylo Chaban, superior of the Greek-Catholic Mary Help of Christians Vice-Province of Ukraine*, received a special award during the Football Federation Congress in recognition of the founding of the first Pokrova AMP soccer team for players who are amputees. This team has become a source of hope and an example of how through sports it is possible to restore faith, strength, and new meaning in life for veterans, youth, and people with disabilities.

The award is an important recognition not only for Fr. Chaban but for the Salesian Family in Ukraine. It was thanks to the commitment and initiative of the Salesian Congregation that the team began a year and a half ago. Fr. Chaban received the award from Ukrainian football legend and world football ambassador, Andrij Shevchenko, currently president of the Ukrainian Football Federation, in May.

This initiative, which started in Lviv, quickly developed into a national movement. Today, thanks to the efforts of Salesian missionaries, eight soccer teams for amputees are operating in Ukraine. Salesians explained, “We have organized training courses for coaches, athletes, volunteers and operators, contributing to the launch of these teams in different regions of the country.”

Salesians participated in the recent Spring Cup with two teams, as the Pokrova AMP now has over 50 players, 80% of whom are young veterans. The victory of Pokrova AMP in this tournament was a tangible sign of how the Salesian Family continues to offer hope, a sense of community and new opportunities for growth.

A particularly emotional moment was when the youngest player in Pokrova, an eight-year-old boy, received a special prize of a trip to the final of the UEFA Champions League 2025, which was held in Munich on May 31. He was honored by entering the pitch together with a world soccer star.

Salesians added, “We wish to share this experience with the entire Salesian Family around the world, emphasizing that this recognition is a sign of the strength of Don Bosco’s charism, which continues to be a source of hope, evangelization and social integration for the most vulnerable young people. We are deeply grateful for this recognition and feel called to continue this service that transforms lives, opens new paths and continues to spread throughout Ukraine.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Ukraine – Recognition of the Salesians for a service that opens new horizons

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.