During a working trip to the Ternopil region, the president of the Ukrainian Football Association and head of the UAF Coordination Center, Andriy Pavelko, along with First Vice President of the UAF Vadym Kostyuchenko, held a series of meetings with local government representatives to discuss humanitarian support for children affected by the war.

In particular, discussions on cooperation between Ternopil regional authorities and the football community in implementing various humanitarian projects took place with the head of the oblast military administration Volodymyr Trush and the mayor of Ternopil Serhiy Nadal. Andriy Pavelko thanked representatives of city and oblast authorities for their support of UAF social initiatives and cooperation to help IDP children and Ukrainian defenders.

Photos by the UAF press service

“Ternopil region has already taken in thousands of people and hundreds of children from regions affected by military actions, helping them with essential needs. I am grateful to Ternopil regional authorities for this and thank the football family of the oblast led by Taras Yuryk for their incredible unity and effectiveness in joint efforts to help young football players from Kherson, Mariupol, Kharkiv, Irpin, and other cities affected by war”, — noted Andriy Pavelko.

Photos by the UAF press service

Later, representatives of the UAF and TOA visited a charity match in Terebovlia between the local “Niva” team and a star-studded team from Ternopil football. Here they had an opportunity to talk with children who were evacuated from conflict zones and presented them with balls. Also, the UAF president handed Taras Yuryk a national team player Mykola Shaparenko's jersey for charity auctions in support of the Armed Forces.

Photos by the UAF press service

“Today's match is just one of many games taking place in the region aimed at raising funds to equip football players who have joined territorial defense units of the Armed Forces. And for children, such an event is a chance to return to normal life and dream about their own football future. Today’s appearance on the field by adult footballers participating in the match will inspire them too. Observing this tradition so familiar from peaceful times brings tears to my eyes. Because if it weren't for Russian aggression, these children would be at home with their families playing football with friends. But this ordeal has already made us all much stronger and unbeatable! For our joint victory over Russian fascists!”, — emphasized Andriy Pavelko.