On October 13, representatives of the "Omega" division of Ukraine's National Guard — active servicemen, veterans and veteran women — as well as families of fallen soldiers visited a match between Ukraine and Azerbaijan in Krakow within the qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The trip to Krakow by representatives of "Omega" and their presence at the game became possible thanks to the UAF's social program "We Cheer for Our Own," aimed at supporting and rehabilitating Ukrainian defenders through sports. For many of them, this was their first experience of attending a football match or watching a national team game.

Indeed, Serhiy Kozachenko, an Odessa native, former special assignment officer in the "Omega" unit, veteran with the call sign "Cossack," has served since as far back as 2007. He carried out combat missions in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, participated in the liberation of Kharkiv region, for which he was awarded medals by the President: "For Military Service to Ukraine" and "For Defense of Ukraine."

Photo by Yaroslav Zagoruiko

"A few days ago, I was watching at home as the national team played against Iceland and was nervous... Now I get to see it all live. The last time I attended a match was when 'Zorya' played against Manchester City in Odessa on the Chornomorets stadium — back then I was responsible for order at the venue. Such trips are moral and psychological rehabilitation for servicemen; you can feel this spirit of victory not only on the battlefield but also off it. And we want our team to fight as hard as they do, giving us positive emotions. Thank you boys for your win," — noted Serhiy Kozachenko.

Photo by Yaroslav Zagoruiko

One of the most passionate supporters on the stands was Olha Polischuk, who served from 2018 to 2024. She held a position as an officer in the S-4 section of the special unit "Omega." She retired due to health conditions and returned home to Donetsk, where her daughter had been living without her for three years.

"I am very nervous — but it's a pleasant kind of nervousness because I've never been to a football match before — only watched on TV. This is our team; the boys represent our country, and we will support them. I believe that sports are one of the most important ways to make a statement about ourselves, show that we exist, live, and fight for ourselves. Such events are very important for servicemen," — noted Olha Polischuk.

Photo by Yaroslav Zagoruiko

Serhiy Nazarenko — an officer of the Special Purpose Center "Omega." In 2024, he received a wound — traumatic amputation due to a mine explosion.

"I always watched football on TV — maybe some local district competitions. But I've never been to any big matches before, so this is my first experience. New emotions, new feelings, new impressions. Such trips are also a good opportunity for society to see that servicemen are just like other people. We can rest, be happy, get new emotions, support our team. This is also a way of integration into the world," — said Serhiy Nazarenko.

Photo by Yaroslav Zagoruiko

"The game was very beautiful, emotional and quite tough. The biggest joy is that we won in the end. The boys are carrying out an important mission on the international stage — showing Ukraine to the world. And today they proved again that we are the best," — emphasized Serhiy Nazarenko.

The UAF expresses gratitude to the RIOTDIVISION brand for its support. Part of the proceeds from a charitable clothing collection dedicated to football supporters was directed towards organizing this trip.