Dreaming Like Kings: Seventh Game of the 'Day with the Kings Team' Project Held in Ternopil

On October 3, 2026, a landmark event took place in Ternopil — the seventh game within the social project 'Day with the Kings Team'. Organized by the Betking Foundation under the leadership of Pavlo Zhurilo, the initiative brought together 50 children and 11 professional players from the local football club 'Nyva' on the field. Unlike classic matches, this format involves a large group of young players competing against a professional team, allowing children to gain a unique experience interacting with their idols in real-time.

Social Significance and Project Objectives

The core mission of the 'Day with the Kings Team' project is to provide psychological support to children affected by the consequences of military aggression against Ukraine. Participants include children of military personnel, internally displaced families, and children who have lost loved ones. Through sports, joint training, and informal communication, the organizers aim to give children a sense of normalcy and faith in their own strength, helping them cope with everyday stress.

Integration with Professional Sports

The head coach of FC 'Nyva', Ivan Fedyk, emphasized that such meetings are important not only for the children but also for the professional athletes. For the players, it is an opportunity to get closer to their young fans and inspire them for hard training. Pavlo Zhurilo himself notes that the project is designed to show children that big dreams are achievable and professional sports are within reach.

International Recognition and Future Plans

Over two years of implementation, the 'Day with the Kings Team' project has covered Kyiv, Bucha, Rivne, Oleksandriya, Irpin, Uzhhorod, and Ternopil, uniting more than 330 participants. The success of the initiative is confirmed by international recognition: in 2026, the project won gold and silver at the prestigious Davos Communications Awards. The initiative is also a finalist in the UN Global Compact 'Partnership for Sustainability 2025' competition, underscoring its significance for the global social support agenda.