When a storied Ukrainian stadium got scooped up by a California investment firm, few predicted that it would become the home base for a bold women’s soccer movement shaking up Eastern Europe. But that’s exactly what’s happening in Odessa, where Allrise Capital, a U.S.-based investment group, is rewriting the rules of post-war recovery—one goal at a time.
A U.S. Play in Ukraine’s Sports Arena
Back in 2022, Allrise Capital acquired Chornomorets Stadium, Odessa’s crown jewel of sports and entertainment, out of bankruptcy. The multi-strategy investment firm, headquartered in California, saw more than just a distressed asset—they saw potential. With war and economic uncertainty looming large, Allrise doubled down on an unconventional bet: that soccer, especially women’s soccer, could help heal communities, empower youth, and build something lasting.
Chornomorets: A Stadium Built for Big Moments
Built in 1936 and revamped in 2011, Chornomorets Stadium is a UEFA Category IV coliseum with seating for over 34,000, 78% of it covered. Tucked into Shevchenko Park and just steps from the Black Sea, it boasts facilities that rival any top European venue: a 76-room hotel, a business center, a fitness complex, a pool, conference halls, restaurants, and space to host 45,000 fans for concerts.
This isn’t just a stadium—it’s a sports and entertainment campus. And now, it’s ground zero for a new kind of movement.
Introducing FC SeaSters: Odessa’s Breakout Women’s Club
In June 2023, Allrise launched FC SeaSters, a women's soccer club with a mission that goes beyond trophies. It was created as a response to the war’s devastating impact on Ukrainian youth—especially girls.
“We believe sport is one of the strongest tools for rebuilding communities, building confidence, and providing hope,” says Sergey Burka, the Club Director appointed by Allrise.
And the results? Nothing short of spectacular.
In its debut season, FC SeaSters captured the First League Championship and earned a historic promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League—the first women’s club from Odessa to ever reach those heights. By the end of the 2024/25 season, they’d landed a strong 4th place finish, proving they’re here to stay.
What makes SeaSters unique isn’t just their success on the pitch—it’s their inclusive, international spirit. The squad features rising stars from Brazil, Ghana, Cameroon, and Venezuela, blended with top Ukrainian talent. It’s more than a club; it’s a symbol of resilience, diversity, and ambition.
Soccer as Social Infrastructure
The war in Ukraine has displaced millions and pushed child poverty levels to alarming highs. Over 3,700 schools have been damaged or destroyed. Recreation spaces are scarce, and youth mental health is at risk. Allrise’s response? Build more than just a pro team—build a pipeline of hope.
The FC SeaSters Soccer Schools Network
Through its charitable arm, Allrise is rolling out a network of free girls’ soccer schools under the SeaSters banner. The initial goal: 25 locations in Odessa and the surrounding region by 2026.
- 4 schools already opened: Odessa, Usatove, Ovidiopol, Maiaky
- 150+ girls currently enrolled
- Target: 1,000 girls by end of 2026
With junior (ages 7–10) and senior (11–14) programs, these schools provide structured training, community, and mental health support—all tuition-free. Monthly tournaments and summer camps add excitement and competition.
Coming Soon: Ukraine’s First All-Girls Soccer Academy
In another game-changing move, SeaSters is building Ukraine’s first dedicated girls’ soccer academy. Located in the Otrada district, the facility will include:
- 4 state-of-the-art artificial turf fields
- Gym & pool
- Classrooms and dorms
- Fully funded training for girls aged 12–17
The Academy is designed to identify and elevate talent from the regional schools and prepare them for elite-level competition. It’s not just about creating athletes—it’s about building futures.
The Big Picture: A Vision that Scores on Every Level.
Allrise Capital’s work in Odessa is more than a real estate play. It’s a powerful example of how private investment, community rebuilding, and women’s sports can intersect. Through Chornomorets Stadium and the growing SeaSters system, they’re creating a new model—where recovery meets opportunity, and where girls in Ukraine can dream as big as they want.
In a time of crisis, they didn’t just buy a stadium—they built a movement.
