In Trnava, ahead of the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group stage match between Ukraine and Northern Ireland, 15 children of Ukrainian defenders walked onto the pitch with the players. All of them are children of service members who have been recovering from severe injuries at specialized centers within the national RECOVERY network.
Social Project and Family Support
This initiative was implemented as part of the Ukrainian Association of Football's social project "Hand in Hand with a Dream," created specifically to support the families of Ukrainian Defense Forces service members and children from vulnerable categories. The trip was organized by the UAF and the RECOVERY rehabilitation center network, founded by Viktor and Olena Pinchuk. For many of the children, this was their first-ever opportunity to visit a major international stadium and support the national team live.
Emotions and Unforgettable Meetings in Bratislava
Matchday began for the young fans and their parents with an educational tour of Bratislava, followed by a long-awaited meeting with the Ukraine national team. The organizers prepared special gifts for the children: personalized jerseys and balls signed by UAF President Andriy Shevchenko, which the players also autographed. Ten-year-old Sofia Arkhipova from Odesa, whose father serves in the State Border Guard Service and is recovering at a RECOVERY center, fulfilled her cherished dream by walking onto the pitch holding Andriy Yarmolenko's hand.
Stories of Courage and Inspiration
Other participants included seven-year-old Mia Nikolenko from Vinnytsia and six-year-old Melania Bondar from Khmelnytskyi, whose fathers are undergoing medical rehabilitation following front-line injuries. Mia walked onto the pitch alongside Northern Ireland player Trai Hume, while Melania walked with her namesake, Ukraine defender Valeriy Bondar. Following the opening ceremony, the children joined their parents in the stands to passionately cheer for the national team in the crucial tournament match.
