Andriy Pavelko, President of the Ukrainian Football Association and Head of the UAF Coordination Center, visited Poltava and met with representatives of the football community in the region led by Valery Golok.

During the meeting, they discussed the interaction between the municipal branch of the UAF Coordination Center and the municipal humanitarian hub regarding assistance to internally displaced persons and the placement of children in safe areas in western Ukraine.  

Photo by the UAF press service

In addition, the President of the UFA met with children from Kharkiv, Sumy and Mariupol at the stadium. The FC "Vorskla" team warmly welcomed them, and they now have the opportunity to train under the guidance of experienced professionals. Andriy Pavelko spoke with Roman Cherniak, Vice-President Oleh Lisak, players, coaches, and veterans of "Vorskla", and together with them presented gifts and new balls to the children. 

Photo by the UAF press service

"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russian fascists, Poltava has been an important stronghold. The city provides temporary shelter to thousands of internally displaced persons from Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The football community in Poltava led by Valery Golok and the leadership of FC "Vorskla" have already for three months provided humanitarian aid and created comfortable conditions on club premises for hundreds of evacuated children. I am grateful to the Poltava football community for their active patriotic stance and fruitful cooperation in our common humanitarian mission," — noted Andriy Pavelko.

Photo by the UAF press service

The head of the UFA also visited wounded Ukrainian defenders in Poltava and organized a video call for them with national team leader Oleksandr Zinchenko. "For me and for the football players, such communication from different cities with warriors from different corners of our country has become a good and extremely important tradition that unites leaders of the national team and brave military servicemen. Our soldiers are today's main heroes in Ukraine, and it is important for football stars to tell them this personally. After victory, we will organize a personal meeting. We wish wounded fighters a speedy recovery and continue supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine!" — emphasized Andriy Pavelko.