Viktor Bannikov Memorial Tournament

Viktor Bannikov Memorial Tournament
Founded1998 (reorganized in 2002)
RegionUkraine (UEFA)
Number of teams8
Current championsUkraine Ukraine U-16
Most successful team(s)Ukraine Ukraine U-16 (5 titles)

Viktor Bannikov Memorial Tournament (Ukrainian: Міжнародний турнір пам’яті Віктора Баннікова) is annual summer association football friendly competition for junior teams that take place in various cities of Ukraine, since 1998. This tournament was created in honour and memory of the legendary goalkeeper of the USSR national football team and the first president of the Football Federation of Ukraine Viktor Bannikov (1938–2001), hence the name Memorial. The tournament was initially established in 1998 as a competition for junior teams of Ukrainian football clubs. Victor Bannikov opened his first edition. It was contested by 12 teams. DFK "ATEK" won defeating opponents from FC Dynamo Kyiv. In 1999, the tournament has received international status and was contested by 16 junior teams.[1] In 2002, the Ukrainian football federation has decided to give more importance professional status, inviting the participation of junior national teams.

The tournament recently gained FIFA recognition and support.

  1. ^ (in Ukrainian) Інформація про турнір імені Баннікова Archived October 6, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, www.donoda.gov.ua