The founder of the football academy and football club Ruh Lviv, Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, presented ambitious plans for the club’s future, the main of which was the announcement of the construction of a new state-of-the-art academy. During his speech, he also summarized the results of three years of work, detailing the achievements of the existing Academy.

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy recalled the year 2018, when the dream of creating a powerful football academy was born. He noted that at the beginning, this dream not only did not receive support, but also faced significant obstacles that had to be overcome during 2018-2020. Nevertheless, the idea was realized, and now it’s time to summarize the results and share the future vision.

Achievements of the Academy: Students and Results

Mr. Kozlovskyy emphasized the Academy’s significant successes over the past three years. Today, the Academy is home to nearly 300 children who are fully supported by the club, with food, medical treatment, education and clothing provided to them absolutely free of charge. According to him, these are the most talented children in Ukraine.

The key achievements include:

• The first graduate in the National Team: Oleksiy Sych became the first player trained by the Academy to reach the level of the National Team.
• Debuts for youth teams: More than 11 pupils have already made their debuts for the U-21 team.
• Representation in national teams: A large number of children play in various age groups of the National Team of Ukraine, including the Olympic teams.
• Success in the DUFL: The teams of the Academy and the Ruh Children’s and Youth Sports School (within the club) demonstrate leadership positions. The team born in 2011 takes first or second place. The teams of 2010, 2009 and 2008 are the undisputed leaders of the western region, setting the tone and stimulating other teams.
• Victories in tournaments: We are especially proud of the 2011 team’s victory at the prestigious international One Cup tournament in Poland, where the rivals included the giants of European football (Juventus, Sporting, Benfica, Everton, Manchester United). The 2012 team took second place, losing to Sporting only on penalties.
• Winter Cup of the DUFL: For the second time in a row, Ruh teams became the champions of the DUFL Winter Cup. This year, the children born in 2010 won, playing against opponents a year older than them, and gaining confident victories over the Karpaty and Polissya academies.

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy emphasized that the successes at the competitive level and representation of students in national teams are a direct result of the Academy’s work.

Scale and social mission

The Ruh FC structure is the largest sports structure in Ukraine in terms of the number of children involved in football, emphasized Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy. More than 4,000 children are directly involved in the children’s and youth sports school, and another 2,500 children train at partner clubs with which Ruh has cooperation agreements. The geography of the partnership covers different regions of Ukraine, including Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Kyiv, and Odesa.

It was especially noted that about 800 children of military personnel are involved in all the structures of the Ruh (Academy and Children’s and Youth Sports School). This is an important and principled area of work, which is a manifestation of gratitude to those who defend the country.

Hryhorii Kozlovskyy also spoke about the Club’s philosophy and player development:

“The club’s main philosophy is to integrate young players into the first team as quickly as possible. At Ruh, players aged 20-21 are already considered experienced. The club is not afraid to sell 5-7 players of this age, as it is part of the development philosophy and a way to earn money for the club’s operation. The main thing is to make room for even younger players who are growing from below. It is expected that in the near future, stars aged 17-18 and even 15 may shine in the Premier League.”

The future of the Academy: a new state-of-the-art complex

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy presented plans to build a new, even larger and more modern Academy. While the current one is considered the best in Ukraine and one of the best in Europe, it is no longer enough for Ruh. The new building will be designed for 960 children, offering state-of-the-art living and training conditions. The visualization of the project is already inspiring admiration, despite the fact that the architects can barely keep up with the founder’s ideas.

Additional fields are planned to be arranged at the location, including a large hybrid field. In 20 years’ time, the territory should become a lighted complex where children can train around the clock.

Innovations in Infrastructure and Education

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy’s FC Ruh continues to invest in innovation. Four new football pitches were purchased with a state-of-the-art surface that is already used by clubs such as Ajax, PSV and Werder. According to Kozlovskyy, this surface is “space” in terms of its characteristics. Four such fields, as well as a full-fledged large arena (the first in Western Ukraine), are planned to be built on the basis of Markevych.

In addition to sports development, Ruh places a significant emphasis on education. A preliminary agreement has been signed with the British School to open a branch right on the territory of the academy. About 150 children will study here in classes with English-speaking teachers. It will be a school with a sports profile that will provide students with the opportunity to receive state-of-the-art education in parallel with football training. The goal is to give children the best possible education, as not all will become professional football players, but all have a chance to become strong, wise and educated Ukrainians.

Hrihoriy Kozlovskyy inviteto join the “family of the Ruh”

Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy emphasized that the Ruh Academy is developing, becoming stronger, more modern and powerful. He urged parents not to be afraid and come, emphasizing that Ruh is the flagship and leader of children’s academic football in Ukraine and is ready to provide conditions that cannot be obtained even in Europe.

The club continues to implement its ambitious plans, promising many pleasant surprises for its supporters and further growth and development. The ideal age for enrollment in the Academy is 8-9 years old, as this is the period when children can receive the most effective technical training.

“Welcome to Ruh, welcome to the Ruh family,” Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy concluded his report, emphasizing the club’s openness and readiness to accept new talent.