From dream to reality: Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy upgrades children’s football pitch in Lviv
Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, founder of football club Ruh, has contributed to upgrading the sports infrastructure of the “Mriya” educational and rehabilitation center in Lviv. The new sports facility is located in the very heart of the city, on Lysenka Street. Thanks to his support, the center’s students received a modern football pitch with new artificial turf, a drainage system, and upgraded lighting. In addition, the children were given kits from the “yellow-and-black” club so they could comfortably enjoy their favorite sport.
Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy said that representatives involved in child development informed him of the need to reconstruct the pitch. The football club promptly took on the task, and the necessary work was completed within a short timeframe.
“These are difficult times, with war ongoing in the country, so even amid such challenging realities we wanted to create a celebration for the children, to bring a bright moment into their lives and lift their spirits. If any of these children grow up to become professional footballers, that will make it twice as rewarding for us,” said Ruh founder Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy.
The official opening of the pitch began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, project initiator Olha Vytak, “Mriya” center director Halyna Pyrch, and student Larysa Shandor. Immediately after the ceremony, the new pitch was put to the test: Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, together with center student Mykola Nazin, took the first symbolic kick of the ball.
The upgraded pitch offers not only better training conditions but also a space for communication, physical activity, and socialization. The “Mriya” educational and rehabilitation center currently educates 235 children with special educational needs, including orphans and children deprived of parental care. The facility also hosts displaced persons from regions affected by the war.
Center director Halyna Pyrch emphasized that the new sports facility will help children spend their time more actively, develop, and interact with one another. According to her, football fosters communication, openness, and adaptation to the social environment.
Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy noted that Ruh’s cooperation with the “Mriya” center extends beyond the pitch reconstruction. The parties signed a memorandum providing for training sessions with coaches from the Ruh Academy and for children to attend the team’s matches. In this way, the center’s students will be able not only to play football but also to get closer to professional sport.
Olha Vytak, president of the journalists’ national team, who informed Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy of the need to upgrade the pitch, praised the club’s swift response. According to her, the work was completed within a few weeks, and the new sports space became an important gift for children who have long supported Ruh.
“I want to thank Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy and football club Ruh, who responded quickly to our request. As soon as they heard about the problem, they came right away, inspected everything, and got to work. We discussed what needed to be done and what materials were required. In fact, within a few weeks all the work was completed, so now orphaned children and children with special needs can pursue football professionally,” said Olha Vytak.
As a reminder, the Ruh football academy, led by club founder Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, is developing a new approach to training young footballers, combining sports science, medicine, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. A few days ago in Lviv, Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy held a conference titled “Sports Science at the Ruh Academy,” where he presented the academy’s achievements and invited representatives of other football clubs to a professional dialogue.
Hryhoriy Petrovych Kozlovskyy is a Ukrainian entrepreneur, founder of football club Ruh and its academy, philanthropist, and benefactor. He supports the development of Ukrainian football, implements social initiatives, and helps the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
