شاختار ستاليفي: الفريق الأوكراني الذي لا يُقهر بصلابته في عالم كرة القدم
Kingdom. The players share stories, laughter, and camaraderie over drinks, reflecting on their experiences both on and off the field. They discuss their hopes for the future, not just in football but also in life as they continue to heal from their physical and emotional wounds.
The atmosphere is one of resilience and determination. Each player has faced unimaginable challenges but finds strength in their shared experiences. They are not just teammates; they are a family forged through adversity.
As Valentyn leads the team into its second year, he emphasizes the importance of unity and support among players. “We have each other’s backs,” he says. “No matter what happens on or off the pitch, we stand together.”
The journey ahead is filled with uncertainty due to ongoing conflict back home in Ukraine, but for now, these athletes find solace in football—a game that transcends pain and loss. Their commitment to improving as players mirrors their dedication to overcoming personal struggles.
With upcoming tournaments on the horizon, including a significant event in England where they hope to showcase their growth as a team, Shakhtar Stalevi stands poised not only to compete but also to inspire others facing similar battles.
In this way, football becomes more than just a sport; it serves as a powerful tool for healing and empowerment amidst the backdrop of war-torn Ukraine—a testament to human resilience against all odds.The story of Shakhtar Stalevi, a football team composed of military amputees from Ukraine, is one of resilience and hope amidst the backdrop of war. Formed on February 5, 2024, the team has become a symbol of strength for its members who have faced unimaginable challenges due to their injuries sustained in combat.
Ivan, a key player and former captain, reflects on his commitment to both his military duties and the team. He draws parallels between firefighters who continue their work despite injuries and soldiers who fight until the end. His return to the front line underscores a sense of duty that resonates deeply with his teammates.
Valentyn R., now captain after Ivan’s departure, expresses how his perspective on life has shifted since joining Stalevi. He acknowledges that while nothing has changed radically in terms of circumstances, he has gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for life itself. His goal as captain is not only to lead but also to honor those who entrusted him with this responsibility.
As they celebrate their first anniversary as a team in February 2025, Shakhtar Stalevi reflects on their progress over the past year—104 training sessions and 12 friendly matches played. The players are eager for upcoming tournaments where they can showcase their growth against other teams from around Europe.
Tymofii shares how playing for Shakhtar fulfills a childhood dream he had before the war began. Andrii H., another member of the team who lost his leg due to stepping on a landmine, emphasizes how important it is to appreciate life’s simple pleasures after witnessing devastation firsthand.
The team’s coach Bohdan Bilko highlights that football serves as both rehabilitation and socialization for these veterans. It provides them with purpose—a chance to reclaim some semblance of normalcy amid chaos.
As they train together three times weekly in Kyiv—balancing rehabilitation with competitive play—the players form bonds akin to family ties; each member supports one another through shared experiences shaped by loss yet fueled by determination.
Shakhtar Stalevi stands not just as an amputee football club but as an embodiment of resilience against adversity—a testament that even amidst tragedy there exists hope for recovery through camaraderie and sport.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.and black balloons and a golden No. 1. Over the past year, they had 104 training sessions and played 12 friendly matches. In that time, more amputee teams have formed in Ukraine, and there’s a tournament in England in April where Stalevi hopes to compete. The hope is that all five Ukrainian teams from the League of Mighty will travel, alongside Brighton and Arsenal, as well as teams from West Brom, Ireland, and Scotland. The Stalevi players are eager to demonstrate how much they’ve improved since their matches in October.
Tymofii is still attending school in Kyiv but manages to practice three times a week after classes. “It’s a very important team for me,” he says with pride. “I had a dream before the war to play for Shakhtar, and this dream came true during the war.”
Andrii H., who plays midfield for Stalevi, expresses his desire to improve as a player while reflecting on life’s fragility shaped by his experiences on the front lines: “You need to appreciate things,” he emphasizes. “You need to appreciate what you have today because tomorrow may never come.”
As captain Valentyn aims not only to lead but also has personal goals: “My goal is to run 50 meters on asphalt,” he shares earnestly. “To run until I’m out of breath—that’s what I really want.” He understands that achieving such goals requires hard work.
The team continues welcoming new players; unfortunately, due to ongoing conflict, there are new amputees joining regularly. Bohdan has been present for all training sessions and recognizes the transformative power of football: “They have an intense desire to play,” he notes with admiration about his teammates’ spirit.
Ivan H., who recently returned from military service after proposing marriage at a joint training session last August—where Olya became engaged—reflects on how Shakhtar Stalevi has become more than just a football team; it’s like family now.
In January 2025 during their first official tournament—the League of Mighty—Ivan captains Shakhtar against other teams including MSC Dnipro and AMP FC Kyiv before passing leadership onto Valentyn after Day One’s matches conclude without wins but with significant learning experiences.
Despite challenges faced both on-field (like injuries) or off-field (the realities of war), these athletes remain committed not just as competitors but also as brothers united by shared struggles—a testament that even amidst adversity they continue fighting together through sport while supporting each other’s recovery journeys along the way.The story of Shakhtar Stalevi, a Ukrainian amputee soccer team, is one of resilience and hope amidst the backdrop of war. Formed during a time of conflict, the team has become a symbol of determination for its players, many of whom are military veterans who have lost limbs in combat.
As they celebrate their first anniversary, the players reflect on their journey. Over the past year, they have held 104 training sessions and played 12 friendly matches. The formation of more amputee teams in Ukraine signifies growth and unity within this community. The upcoming tournament in England presents an opportunity for them to showcase their progress against international teams.
Valentyn R., who recently took over as captain from Ivan—who returned to the front lines—expresses his commitment to leading the team with integrity and passion. He shares personal goals that extend beyond soccer; he aims to regain physical strength by running again.
The camaraderie among teammates is palpable as they support each other through rehabilitation processes while also welcoming new members into their ranks due to ongoing conflicts that create new amputees daily. Players like Bohdan highlight how soccer provides an escape from reality—a chance for them to forget about their struggles while pursuing a shared dream.
Andrii H.’s reflections emphasize gratitude for life’s simple pleasures and relationships after witnessing devastation firsthand on the battlefield. This sentiment resonates throughout the team as they continue striving not just for victories on the field but also for personal healing and collective growth.
In essence, Shakhtar Stalevi embodies resilience against adversity—a testament that even amid tragedy, there can be hope and joy found in teamwork and sport.
