'Master of The Ball' Soccer School

• Photographer
  Oleksandr Osipov
• Agency / Studio
  Freelancer
• Photo Date
  October 4, 2023

Children take part in a training session at the "Master of the Ball" soccer academy in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on October 4, 2023. Located in Saltivka, a district heavily damaged by the war, the school reopened in April 2023. It is one of the few soccer schools to resume operations since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Amid ongoing conflict and devastation, the academy symbolizes resilience and the determination of youth to continue pursuing their passion.

Oleksandr Osipov (1985) is a Ukrainian reportage photographer based in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Started career in 2009 in sports reportage: FC Metalist Kharkiv as a staff photographer, UEFA and FIBA as a freelancer. Expanded activity in photojournalism highlighting arts, social events, Russia's war against Ukraine. Worked as a stringer for Reuters, EPA. Became internationally known in March 2022 with "In the Streets of Kharkiv" video series – performances of cellist Denys Karachevtsev playing Bach in the ruined streets of Kharkiv. The project received huge coverage on social media and TV.