The last week in Rzeszów (Border region to the Ukraine), at WR Sports, was marked by intense training sessions, emotional moments, and remarkable unity. On Tuesday, March 18th, players from FK Pokrova Lviv, MSC Dnipro Amp Football, and FC Hrestonosti from Lutsk arrived in Poland. This diverse group, made up of injured veterans and young players from Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Lutsk, Lviv, and Brovary, along with two women from Kyiv, quickly came together, worked harmoniously during the workshops and practice sessions, supporting each other both on and off the field. This collaborative spirit allowed them to effectively apply the techniques and strategies taught, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork throughout the program.
The first day began with an introduction by Dr Jürgen Buschmann on cohesion and cooperation. This was followed by a profound session by Dr. Lisa Miebach, helping players address their emotional challenges and through this overcome their traumas. İsmail Temiz then introduced the basics of amputee football, covering everything from proper crutch handling to technical and tactical exercises. In the afternoon, players applied this knowledge on the field together with Steve Johnson & İsmail Temiz. The day ended with a water polo session promoting endurance and coordination, followed by an E-Sports session that encouraged teamwork and strategic thinking.
The second day featured another introduction by Dr. Buschmann as well as a workshop with Dr. Miebach, focusing on mental resilience and personal growth. Ä°smail led a tactical session, teaching strategic moves, correct positioning in both offense and defense, and quick transitions. The players had the opportunity to ask questions and receive direct feedback, which made the session even more valuable.
On the third day, the group said their goodbyes. The players left not only with enhanced skills but also with new friendships and strengthened confidence. These days were more than just training; they were about solidarity, social reintegration, and gaining new perspectives through sport.
A big thank you goes to Don Bosco for their essential support, without which this project would not have been possible. Their contribution has provided the participants not only with the opportunity to develop their athletic skills but also with a safe space to process trauma and find new hope.
We are incredibly proud of all the participants and look forward to continuing this journey together!