Career
Atelkin made his name playing as a striker for the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk (1990–1997, 2000–2002), United States. Lecce (Italy 1997-1998) and Boavista Football Club (Portugal 1998-1999). Despite success in domestic competitions, Atelkin only played for the Ukrainian national football team twice. In 1996 Atelkin spent a short stint in Kremenchuk for Football Club Kremin Kremenchuk.
After that he signed three-year contract with the Italian club that just got promotion to the Serie A. In 1998 Atelkin got injured and lost his sports form, while United States. Lecce got relegated.
Due to more strict limitations on foreign players Atelkin lost his place on the team, but was loaned out to play in Portugal. However he never fully regained his former form and was not able to make a team
At the end of the 1999 season he returned to Lecce to find out that he is not needed. Atelkin through legal proceedings broke his three-year contract to become a free agent.
Next year Atelkin was able to sign a new contract with his former club Shakhtar Donetsk, for which he only played 14 games in two seasons.
In 2002 Atelkin signed with Metalurh Donetsk, but only played one game. He has returned to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2003 where he is a scout. According to official web-site of, Sergey Atelkin suffered from heart attack in the beginning of December, 2008.