On Monday, October 17, a friendly match took place on the NTK named after V. Bannikov football field between teams of stars from the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) and the Main Military Clinical Hospital.

The football meeting, dedicated to Ukraine's Defender Day celebrated on October 14, was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Vadim Gutzeit, first vice-presidents of the Ukrainian Football Association Vadym Kostyuchenko and Oleh Protsasov, as well as the head of the Main Military Clinical Hospital, Major General Anatoliy Kazmichuk. Representatives from the UAF star team included such famous figures in Ukrainian football as Oleksandr Zavarov, Ihor Shuhovtsev, Vitaliy Mandzyuk, Volodymyr Yezerskyi, Edmar, Vitaliy Lysychyk, Vasyl Kardas, Serhiy Fedorov and others.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

Before the start of the football event, Vadim Gutzeit presented a Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine "Mark of Respect" award to Ukrainian defender, referee, and neurosurgeon Dmytro Kurbjak, who was recently released from Russian captivity. He became the main referee for this match.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

The welcoming speech from the President of UAF, UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelka was delivered by Vadym Kostyuchenko, emphasizing the need to support Ukrainian military servicemen defending the country against Russia's full-scale invasion.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

"For many years, we have been reliable partners of our military. Since February 24, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion into our country, the UAF Coordination Center and our humanitarian hubs in regions provide constant support to soldiers defending Ukraine and medical staff at hospitals where wounded servicemen are treated. We are very grateful to each one of you, all military doctors, for your tireless service for Ukraine's victory!" - Vadym Kostyuchenko said during the opening ceremony.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

As a sign of friendship and fruitful cooperation, the honored guests exchanged symbolic gifts. The UAF received an emblem of the Main Military Clinical Hospital, which celebrated its 267th anniversary this year. In turn, Oleh Protsasov presented Anatoliy Kazmichuk with a ball and a jersey from Ukraine's national team signed by footballers. Stars of football from the association also handed over souvenirs and balls to representatives of the capital medical facility.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

The game itself, despite the friendly atmosphere, turned out to be quite competitive. The team of the capital's military hospital opened the scoring, but the UAF squad managed to score three times against their opponents. Another goal before the final whistle secured a 3-2 victory for the football stars.