Members of the Special Operations Forces, along with the children of fallen and missing heroes, witnessed an extraordinary victory of the Ukrainian national team against Iceland with a score of 2:0 in the World Cup qualifiers.
Thanks to the efforts of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Veterans Association of Special Operations, the Ukrainian Football Association, the Veterans Association of Football of Ukraine, and the Sobutsky Family Charity Fund, 120 Ukrainians had the opportunity to visit Poland.
This significant initiative has become an example of how sports can support and rehabilitate soldiers.
In August of this year, a memorandum of cooperation was signed, and within a short time, this marks the third visit of Ukrainian special forces to the national team's matches. By selecting the best of the best, units ensure the protection of the country every day, while such trips serve as a break and motivation to continue serving.

CHILDREN OF SPECIAL FORCES AND THE MOTIVATION FOR THE TEAM

«I am going to You» is a well-known slogan of the Special Operations Forces. However, it is equally important that the Special Operations Forces represent a large, friendly family that supports each other in the toughest times.
The military and children attended the national team’s pre-match training, observed the final preparations, and interacted with UAF President Andriy Shevchenko, head coach Serhiy Rebrov, and the players.
The adventure for the children continued the next day: boys and girls led the players of the Ukrainian and Icelandic national teams onto the field, singing the Ukrainian anthem together as the crowd roared. Perhaps the children's positive energy helped the team find the strength to turn the game in their favor at the end. And the photographs with the best players will become treasured memories in family albums. In addition to football, the participants had a fascinating excursion program in Warsaw.

A POWERFUL FORCE OF SUPPORT

During all home matches of the World Cup qualifiers this autumn, the Ukrainian national team received support from the military. Gathered in the stands, members of the Special Operations Forces passionately cheered for Serhiy Rebrov's squad, and the game's conclusion became a true highlight of the football season. Our brave heroes had the chance to relax, feel the peaceful life, play football, and hear words of gratitude from legends of Ukrainian sports.
Due to military duties, Army officer and president of the Veterans Association of Football of Ukraine Oleg Sobutsky could not attend the events in Warsaw but made every effort to ensure everything went smoothly.
«The cooperation between UAF, Special Operations Forces, and the Veterans Association has been exceptionally successful — our military has been present at all three matches, — said Oleg Sobutsky. — Thanks to the comprehensive support of Andriy Shevchenko, everything went remarkably well. The most important thing is to see the smiles on the faces of the children and the gratitude of the military for their protection of the country. We have many plans for the future regarding the rehabilitation of soldiers and organizing friendly matches. The people who allow football to continue in Ukraine deserve the highest attention and support.»