The team competed in the Ukrainian Second Division, and was considered the 3rd squad team or junior team from the FC Shakhtar Donetsk franchise.

Meanwhile, developing other junior players for further call-ups.

The team consists of Shakhtar's players whose average age is less than 20—In essence the club's future.

The players usually progress to this team through the Shakhtar Donetsk youth system.

Shakhtar-3 train alongside the first and youth teams at Kirsha Training Centre After the 2014–15 season the club management commented to the media on the rumors of termination Shakhtar-3 Donetsk after the season and confirmed that decision.