Today in Kyiv, a special match in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces took place — on the field, the national veterans' team of Ukraine faced off against the Special Operations Forces team.

The event was organized by the Sobolchynsky Family Charity Foundation and the Association of Veterans of Football for Support of the UAF.

This was not a match for points or tournament purposes — it was a meeting of people for whom football has always been part of life, and warriors who now hold the defense on the front lines and protect us. Some of them returned to the capital from the frontline only for a few days in order to take the field and feel unity with their team and fans.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The winner in terms of goals scored was the veterans' team of Ukraine, but once again, the most important thing today were not the numbers on the scoreboard. The main point is that thanks to football we reminded ourselves once more: we are one team, and our greatest victory lies ahead.

"This match was organized in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, specifically the Special Operations Forces. This is a special kind of military unit whose fighters constantly remain on the frontline. For them, such events serve as a unique form of rehabilitation and an opportunity to take a breath of fresh air."

Today we saw that even without professional football experience, the soldiers gave everything they had on the field, demonstrating strength of spirit, willpower, and desire for victory.

Today volunteers, military personnel, and the football family — everyone who cares about the situation in the country — were united. This is an example of unity among Ukrainian patriots," — commented the event an officer of the ZSU, president of the AVFU Oleg Sobolchynsky.

Photo: Dan Balashov

"Since 2017, we have been traveling and organizing matches on the front lines in various cities and stadiums across Ukraine. Today I came here with satisfaction although due to objective reasons I could not take part on the field."

At the same time, I am pleasantly impressed by the level of play of our soldiers. They demonstrated that they are capable not only of fighting but also of playing football with dignity.

I sincerely wish them good health and divine protection, hoping we will meet on the field again when I will definitely play," — noted legendary Ukrainian coach, vice-president of AVFU, and member of the veterans' team Myron Markevych.

Photo: Dan Balashov

"We well understood who we were facing on the field. It was a great honor for us to play against our defenders, military personnel of the Special Operations Forces. They are true heroes who stand up against the aggressor country every day."

This match aimed to provide positive emotions and once again demonstrate that football unites. Victory on the field was secondary for us; what mattered most was the atmosphere and support of one another. We hope there will be more such matches in the future," — emphasized former player of Ukraine's national team, participant of today’s match Artem Fedetsky.