UEFA Grassroots Awards 2025/26: Best Disability Initiative
by , UEFA.com · UEFA.comThe League of the Mighty has created opportunities for hundreds of players, transforming amputee football in Ukraine, changing perceptions of disabled people and driving inclusion across society.
It has inspired a thriving network of 20 amputee football teams, a two-division national championship and plans for a youth league –supported by newly recruited and trained referees, coaches and support staff – all in just two years.
All this has been made possible by the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF)'s development project, which has attracted more than 500 players with limb amputations and other physical impairments.
"We really had to change the ecosystem in Ukraine and create a world for amputee football," explains Olena Balbek, director of the UAF's department of strategic development and sustainability. "Before we developed the league, there was only occasional training for amputee players and they had no means to compete between themselves."
By the players, for the players
The creation of the League of the Mighty responded to calls from Ukraine’s amputee football players for more opportunities and professionalism.
The initiative has answered those calls by creating a new league and training infrastructure, while a network of dedicated development managers helps expand its reach through rehabilitation centres across the country.
UAF research has underlined the project’s impact. "It showed that players are more optimistic, overcome their mental issues quicker, are more physically fit, more engaged and see a more positive future," says Balbek.
"We can use the country’s ultimate love of football and translate this into social help."
Olena Balbek, UAF department of strategic development and sustainability director
UEFA Grassroots Awards 2025/26 winners
A tool to change perceptions
A core aim of the League of the Mighty is to support social inclusion and change perceptions across Ukraine, especially as conflict continues to leave its mark on the country.
"Through the popularity of football, we can help adapt to the many amputees we now have in our society," says Balbek.
To help promote amputee football to a wider audience, the UAF has agreed a deal with the national sports channel to broadcast league matches, while games are also live-streamed online.
"Football is really a healing instrument," says Balbek. "We can use the country’s ultimate love of football and translate this into social help, to really make valuable social change."
Best disability initiative 2025/25: silver and bronze winners
🥈Silver: KMF Mungosi (Serbia)
In partnership with the Football Association of Serbia, KMF Mungosi’s Champions programme runs leagues, training and workshops for more than 1,000 players with disabilities such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and visual and hearing impairments.
🥉Bronze: UNI Football League (Kazakhstan)
Supported by the Kazakhstan Football Federation, the UNI Football League is the country’s first nationwide disability-football programme, offering weekly sessions across 10 cities for children with Down syndrome or autism.
What are the UEFA Grassroots Awards?
The UEFA Grassroots Awards are presented each year to recognise community football clubs and projects across Europe that have made outstanding contributions to the game.
Candidates are nominated by UEFA's member national associations, with winners selected by our Development and Technical Assistance Committee following recommendations from the UEFA Grassroots Panel.
The awards are presented in partnership with EA Sports FC and Lidl as part of our wider grassroots partnerships, supporting participation, development and positive experiences through football. Gold winners receive €10,000, with silver and bronze winners receiving €6,000 and €4,000 respectively to support their ongoing work.
Since their launch in 2010, 157 UEFA Grassroots Awards have been presented to winners from 45 national associations.