Shakhtar Social

Shakhtar Social is a non-profit foundation established by FC Shakhtar in 2018 with a significant track record in implementing social and humanitarian projects. Initially focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, instilling democratic values, and creating equal opportunities through children's grassroots football, the foundation has adapted its activities to address the evolving needs of Ukrainian society, particularly in response to the full-scale war. In 2022, the Shakhtar Social won a grant from the ECA Relief Programme, supported by the European Club Association (ECA) and the UEFA Foundation for Children. In 2023, Shakhtar Social received additional grants in the second round of the ECA Relief Programme, again supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children. These grants were awarded for the implementation of two projects aimed at promoting grassroots football and ensuring the safety of children and displaced families in Ukraine. The first project involved assisting with the refurbishment of bomb shelters, providing aid to more than 20 school and preschool educational institutions. As part of the second project, Shakhtar Social distributed football equipment to 30 football schools and sections in public schools across Ukraine, focusing primarily on de-occupied and heavily war-affected areas. In March 2023, with the support of the UEFA Foundation, the foundation launched a new project called Score Without Barriers—football training sessions for children aged 7 to 16 with disabilities and developmental challenges. In January 2024, Shakhtar Social introduced Shakhtar Stalevi; an amputee football team composed of 16 Ukrainian war veterans who lost their limbs in military actions. This initiative marks a significant step towards inclusivity and empowerment in sports, especially in the context of the war, which has left nearly 200,000 people with serious injuries. The creation of this team underscores the foundation's commitment to physical and social rehabilitation throu