This is absolutely unprecedented since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russian aggressors, when a first league football team almost unanimously decided to go defend their country.

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

Captain of "Prykarpattia," Vasyl Tsytsura, said: "There was fear not so much of serving as getting in the way, because here are professionals at their job. They know well what to do. It's like taking a professional team player from the district — he would only get in the way. The same goes for taking a footballer who knows nothing into the army. This slightly held us back — fear of being a burden.

But when our military commissioner explained that we will be gradually prepared, taught the basics and shown how to handle weapons, fight and defend Ukraine, then we made the decision and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We have already been introduced to the rifle: we were trained to disassemble, clean, and shoot it. Everything step by step. We are on guard duty now."

The newly enlisted soldiers in Ivano-Frankivsk were personally greeted by President of the Ukrainian Football Association, UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko.

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

"This is a unique example of patriotism in the history of Ukrainian football! The team and coaches of 'Prykarpattia' took an oath of allegiance to the people of Ukraine and joined the Armed Forces. I had the honor to personally witness their swearing-in ceremony in Ivano-Frankivsk.

I greeted our soldier-footballers and wished them victory! After our triumph over Russian hordes, a national team will be formed from football players who are defending the country in the ranks of the Armed Forces. I am confident that it will receive strong support from our fans!

Photo courtesy of the UAF press service

And 'Prykarpattia' will continue to compete and achieve new victories in the Ukrainian championship. Today, the football family is defending the independence and future of our country. Glory to the heroes! Glory to Ukraine!" — said the President of the UAF.

As a reminder, "Prykarpattia" finished the autumn part of the first league championship in seventh place. Unfortunately, spring superiority was not restored due to the Russian invasion.