Today Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Shpakov, the long-time coach of middle and junior ages of Dynamo Children's and Youth Football School, turns 78 years old. On behalf of Dynamo the birthday boy was congratulated by the club president Igor Surkis:
"Dear Oleksandr Oleksandrovych!
Let me congratulate you on your birthday from me personally and from the whole Dynamo family. Please accept sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of your holiday!
You are a coach-legend of Dynamo School, because you have devoted your life to the education of young footballers, having a talent and a soulful vocation for it. You have been working fruitfully and devotedly in Dynamo Children's and Youth Football School for decades, and your pupils become outstanding football players of Ukrainian and world football. The brightest example among them is undoubtedly Andriy Shevchenko, the legendary player, the winner of the Golden Ball in 2004.
You have an incredible ability to see the talent in the youngest young footballers, to see their prospects and potentialities, and then to light this star so that it would shine for many years and be noticeable on the football tops.
The football path of hundreds of players who later became professional footballers and glorified our club and country at the highest level began with their acquaintance with you. All of them owe their successful football careers to you. Your coaching activity is an example of quality and successful work of a football specialist.
On this day I wish you first of all peace, tranquility and life in free, independent Ukraine. Strong health, family happiness, energy, strength and optimism".
Sincerely,
President of FC Dynamo (Kyiv)
Ihor Surkis