Lviv-based FC KOPA, a team uniting orphans, half-orphaned children, and those affected by the war, concluded their participation in the international Magic Cup 2026 tournament held from June 1 to 5 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. For young football players from the Care Center for Orphans of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, this was their first trip across the ocean — and a true test on an international level.

Andriy Shevchenko, President of the UAF:

"Congratulations to our children from FC Kopa for gaining an incredible experience at the international Magic Cup tournament. Ukrainian kids played against top academies around the world and looked dignified. The main thing is the emotions and football inspiration they gained. We strive to organize various trips abroad as often as possible for our children. Camps, tournaments, exchange of experiences — all this helps Ukrainian children develop positively and impacts their mental state."

In the group stage, boys faced peers from top academies around the world: Portugal's "Benfica," England's "Manchester City," "Juventus," "Olympiacos," Sportmente Colombia, Fundacion Humanitaria, and Leoni Di Potrero — a project team of Inter Milan legends Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.

In addition to matches, the tournament offered children a meeting with a living football legend — Magic Cup ambassador Rivaldo, winner of the 1999 Ballon d'Or and World Champion in 2002. Ukrainian players personally interacted with the Brazilian and received words of support from him.

Adidas Ukraine was the partner of team KOPA during their trip, providing players with equipment.

Pavlo, coach of the team:

"The level of the teams was very serious — a true world standard. We gained immense experience and were able to compare our skills with the best. We saw what we still need to work on. The boys played three games every day, which is significant physical and psychological strain, but the tournament conditions, fields, and organization were at an excellent level."

Dmytro Dukh, player:

"To play against teams of world level is a special experience. We played as a team, supported each other and fought until the end. Disneyland, Hollywood, water park — this is a dream. Perhaps not every child gets to live through such an experience. I hope it's not our last trip."

Osyp Merza, player:

"We came here to show ourselves. I think we played decently — though could have done better. The tournament organization, parks, new acquaintances — all this will stay with me forever. Very glad to have had such an opportunity."

Note

FC KOPA was founded by the Care Center for Orphans of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, established on June 1, 2009. The team is a one-time world champion among orphan teams. For many children, football has become an instrument of psychological recovery, discipline development, and teamwork.

Magic Cup is an international tournament for U12/U13 teams in 7-a-side format. Supported by Disney and broadcast on ESPN. Official ambassadors of the competition are Andriy Shevchenko, Rivaldo, and Ivan Cordoba.