The tournament was initiated in 2023 by the UNHCR and the Charity Fund "Rokada" together with the Ukrainian Football Association. Eight teams consisting of players aged 11-13 participated.

Children from IDP camps and those affected by the war took part in the tournament. Its main goal was to create a safe space for children through sports, support their psychological recovery, socialization, teamwork, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Teams from Dnipro, Lubny, Mykolaiv, Sloviansk, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Balaklia, and Arzhyz competed at the Kyiv National Technical University named after V. Bannikov.

At the opening of the tournament, Natalia Huryj, head of the Charity Fund "Rokada," and Igor Gryshchenko, general secretary of the UAF, addressed the participants with welcoming words.

"The Unity Cup is a very symbolic name. We are glad to see all of you in Kyiv and happy that you were able to travel here safely. Ahead of you is a tournament that will unite everyone. You will become friends regardless of where each of you comes from. Football is a team sport. A game for those who know how to support. I wish you this support both on the field and in life," Natalia Huryj noted.

"I wish you to enjoy the game, to escape from war and air alarms. Football has a unique power, the power to unite, and it always united Ukraine. I wish us all victory and peace in the sky above our heads. Glory to Ukraine!" Igor Gryshchenko emphasized.

According to the tournament rules, teams were divided into two groups of four each.

“Unity Cup of Ukraine”-2026. Playoffs

Semifinal for 7th Place

Dnipro — Balaklia — 1:2

Semifinal for 5th Place

Arzhyz — Sloviansk — 0:7

Semifinal for 3rd Place

Mykolaiv — Zaporizhzhia — 2:0

Final

Lubny — Chernihiv — 2:2 (penalties 3:2)

Individual Awards

Best goalkeeper — Veronika Klimenko (Lubny).

Best defender — Vlad Romancha (Zaporizhzhia).

Best forward — Mykhailo Aboronok (Chernihiv).

Best player — Liudmyla Luka (Mykolaiv).

At the closing ceremony, Natalia Huryj, head of the Charity Fund "Rokada," Serhiy Reva, UNHCR's long-term decision-making advisor in Ukraine, Valeriya Haydychuk, UNHCR program officer, Mariian Yaskevich, UAF amateur and mass football department manager, Anastasiia Klypachenko, head of the Women’s and Girls’ Football Committee at the UAF, Oleksandr Pikhalyonok, half-back of Kyiv Dynamo and Ukraine national team, and Veronika Andrukhiv, player of FC Metalist 1925 and Ukraine women's national team, addressed the participants with farewell words.

"Congratulations to everyone who managed to play this tournament until the end. It was difficult. But despite a tough night, you came out and played for your teams' honor. At the opening ceremony, I already said that football is a team sport. In addition to your teams, we also have the 'Rokada' Charity Fund team without which this tournament would not have happened. So congratulations to both your teams and ours," Natalia Huryj stated.

"The night was tough... But the tournament took place despite everything, once again demonstrating our resilience. It is very pleasant for me to be here and represent UNHCR in Ukraine. I would like to extend my congratulations through Ms. Bernadette, who represents UNHCR in Ukraine. She turned out to be a football fan. Personally, I have been passionate about and playing football since childhood and had an incredible time with you during the competition and at such a high level of skill," Serhiy Reva noted.

"It is very nice to join this event and see the intense competition. It is very pleasant for me to observe your enthusiasm and see how much you love football. Thank you all. You are wonderful," Valeriya Haydychuk said.

"Congratulations to the participants and coaches. It is especially nice for me to see girls in the teams. This tournament is indeed very special. The synergy of uniting boys and girls makes you stronger. I thank everyone who came from afar to Kyiv. Having such participants is a great value for us. Thank you for your character. Thank you 'Rokada' Charity Fund and all co-organizers of this wonderful tournament," Anastasiia Klypachenko emphasized.

"I hope you enjoyed the tournament. There was a lot of competition on the football field. I myself was like you and participated in many tournaments. So I wish you to have football character and success in future competitions," Oleksandr Pikhalyonok noted.

"Thank you for these great emotions. Thank you to the coaches who help players develop their talents. And to you, future champions, I wish you to believe in yourselves and go towards your dreams," Veronika Andrukhiv noted.

After the tournament ended, Mariian Yaskevich, UAF amateur and mass football department manager, conducted a tour of the Football House for the children.

The "Unity Cup of Ukraine-2026" tournament was organized by the Charity Fund "Rokada" with support from UNHCR in partnership with the Ukrainian Football Association, the Charity Fund "Right to Protection," TOV "Avalon Group," and Swift Company.