Today, on October 1st at the field of Kyiv's NTK named after V. Bannikov, a friendly match was held in honor of Ukraine's Defender Day between the national veterans' team and the military servicemen's team.

The match was organized by the Ukrainian Football Association, the Ukrainian Veterans' Football Association, TOV "Agrobiznes", and the Sobolchuk Family Charity Foundation.

Honored guests who attended the opening ceremony included the General Secretary of the UAF Igor Gryshchenko and Ukraine's Minister for Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova.

Photo: Dan Balashov

"First of all, I would like to convey sincere greetings from the President of the UAF Andriy Shevchenko to the participants. We together with the Ministry for Veterans Affairs will continuously demonstrate what is happening and confirm our comprehensive support for initiatives aimed at rehabilitation. These initiatives are working and they are important for military servicemen, so they require proper attention and assistance."

"Today, on this special day, we all want to see unity and results. We are fulfilling our duty, and I am convinced that victory is inevitable - it will be a victory not only of our football but also of the entire Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!" — said Igor Gryshchenko.

Photo: Dan Balashov

"I am very glad to have the opportunity to share my impressions. October 1st became a day of true celebration. This is a great initiative that confirms that even in difficult times we preserve good traditions. Thank you to the military and I wish them victory today and always," — noted Natalia Kalmykova.

Photo: Dan Balashov

"I would like to greet everyone on behalf of our team and on behalf of Oleg Sobolchuk, who could not be present due to the performance of his military duty. Thank you all! Glory to Ukraine!" — said head coach of the national veterans' team Eduard Tychmeistruck.

Photo: Dan Balashov

During the ceremony, the Ukrainian Football Association honored Officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and President of the Ukrainian Veterans' Football Association Oleg Sobolchuk, First Vice-President of the Ukrainian Veterans' Football Association Andriy Bibu, and head coach of the national veterans' team Eduard Tychmeistruck.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Honorary certificates from the UAF were awarded to military servicemen Timur Amilakhonov, Andriy Osviychuk, Dmytro Kapinus, Vadim Hatsanyuk, Serhii Lugeria, Mykola Dereckyi, Stanislav Lukanchynov, and Artem Lukashuk.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The match itself lasted two halves of 35 minutes each, and the victory was won by the national veterans' team with a score of 3-2.

All participants received medals, and the winners also got a cup.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Individual Awards

Best Goalkeeper — Serhiy Pogorilyi (national veterans' team).

Best Defender — Mykola Yshchenko (national veterans' team).

Best Forward — Serhiy Vechernyi (military servicemen's team).

Best Player — Konstantin Kalysetskyi (military servicemen's team).