The England and Manchester United legend left thousands of pounds to to good causes when he died in 2023 aged 86, and a large sum helped to launch a football training school for kids in Ukraine
Bobby Charlton’s incredible legacy lives on as his foundation funds football training for youngsters in war-torn Ukraine.
The England and Manchester United legend left thousands of pounds to support victims of conflict when he died in 2023 aged 86. And a large sum helped to launch United Together – a project offering children the chance to play football safely amid the horrors of Vladimir Putin’s bombardment.
For a precious hour each week, they can forget about the fighting and immerse themselves in fun games, ball skills and matches. But the realities of war are never far away, with many practices cut short by air raid sirens.
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Coach Kremsa Volodymyr Yuriiovych told us: “Many of the kids came in very withdrawn or distressed because of the events in the country but now they smile, make friends and set goals for themselves. I can see how they are changing – they become more confident, more active, they learn to work together and support each other.
“It’s a huge honour and responsibility. I feel that I’m doing something truly important – not only teaching football but also helping children get through a difficult period, giving them a sense of stability and support.”
The sessions, for seven to 17-year-olds, are free and take place three times a week in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia. They are run as part of a joint initiative between the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation and Ukrainian football team FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
Funds left by Sir Bobby cover the cost of the coaches, pitches, kits, balls and even psychologists who help the children navigate stress and trauma. Many are the children of frontline soldiers, while others have suffered the trauma of fleeing their home towns and cities.
Kremsa, 39, added: “There are two boys, brothers, who, together with their family, were forced to move because of shelling, leaving their home behind. At first they hardly spoke to anyone but gradually, through training, they made friends and even took part in the city championship, where they won gold.”
Arina, 12, who attends training every week, said: “My dad is currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Of course I miss him very much and it’s very sad and scary when the city is being shelled. We often have to run to shelters. I like that the coach always supports us and that we feel like one team. I also really enjoy the speed competitions, ball exercises, and game-based training.”
Her pal Mykola, 12, who had to leave home when the war broke out, added: “At first, it was hard to get used to the new city but at the training I found friends, and now I feel much better. I like that we all play together, the coach explains everything clearly, and it’s always fun. I’ve become stronger, faster, and made many new friends. I also learned not to be afraid of making mistakes and to always fight until the end.”
The initiative comes as Russia launched its biggest wave of strikes on Ukraine for weeks on Thursday. One person was killed in a drone and missile strike on the western city of Lviv and 15 were reported wounded in an attack on the south-western Trans-carpathia region.
The attacks come despite diplomatic moves to halt the war. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is ready to meet Putin for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The prospect of direct talks emerged after US President Donald Trump met the Russian leader in Alaska before hosting Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Monday.
Sir Bobby launched his Foundation in 2011 after a visit to Cambodia. The charity aims to address the aftermath of war with a particular focus on humanitarian work, research and education. Sir Bobby, who survived the 1958 Munich air disaster that killed eight Man United teammates, is widely considered to be England’s greatest footballer and one of the greatest midfielders ever.
In a 17-year career with Manchester United, he played 758 games, scored 249 goals and was the lynchpin of the England team that won the 1966 FIFA World Cup. He passed away on October 21, 2023 in hospital, surrounded by loved ones.
A Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation spokesperson said: “Sir Bobby was passionate about supporting people, particularly young people, suffering because of war, facing challenging lives through no fault of their own. At FC Shakhar, communities have been united through football against the backdrop of war. As Sir Bobby said, ‘The beauty of football is that it brings people together, regardless of their differences’.”
