Ukrainian football icons Andriy Shevchenko, Sergei Rebrov, and Oleksandr Zinchenko discuss the impact of war on Ukrainian football, including destroyed stadiums and interrupted games. They share heartwarming moments visiting war victims and organizing events to raise funds for rebuilding schools. The podcast highlights the resilience and unity of Ukrainians amidst the ongoing conflict.
Football in Ukraine served as a source of hope and resilience for the people during the war, with players, coaches, and fans facing immense challenges but showing unity in the face of adversity.
The game for Ukraine event and charitable foundations like Stands of Heroes provided financial assistance, motivation, and hope for those affected by the war, demonstrating how football supported the Ukrainian community.
Deep dives
Football in Ukraine during the war
Despite the Russian invasion and ongoing conflict, football in Ukraine has found a way to continue. The Ukrainian Premier League faced numerous challenges, but eventually restarted its season. Stadiums were damaged, with some completely destroyed by bombs. The Ukrainian football community, including players, coaches, and fans, showed immense resilience and unity during these difficult times. Many football fans joined the frontlines to defend their country, with estimates suggesting that 80% of football supporters actively fought in the war. The war impacted players and coaches, causing some to leave the country and seek opportunities abroad. The national team had to play its home matches outside of Ukraine due to security risks. Despite these challenges, football remained a source of hope, unity, and resilience for the Ukrainian people.
Football's role in supporting the community
Football played a crucial role in supporting the Ukrainian community affected by the war. Several charitable foundations, such as Stands of Heroes, were established to assist the families of fallen football fans. The game for Ukraine event, organized by Andriy Shevchenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko, raised significant funds for rebuilding schools destroyed in the conflict. Football legends like Shevchenko used their influence to bring attention to the plight of the people in Ukraine and provide support. Football not only provided financial assistance but also served as a source of motivation and hope for those affected by the war.
Challenges faced by football during the war
Football in Ukraine faced numerous challenges due to the ongoing war. Matches had to be delayed or interrupted due to air raids, with players and spectators taking shelter in bunkers. Many sports facilities and stadiums were damaged or destroyed in the conflict. Financial issues arose from the lack of match day income, impacting the sustainability of clubs. The security risk prevented foreign players from joining Ukrainian teams, while Ukrainian players sought opportunities abroad. The standard of Ukrainian football has suffered, but efforts are being made to rebuild and develop talent through stronger academy systems.
Football's impact on the next generation
The war in Ukraine will have a lasting impact on the next generation of football players and fans. The psychological scars and hardships of rebuilding their lives and infrastructure will shape their experiences. Footballers like Oleksandr Zinchenko, who had been deeply affected by the war, have become more resilient and focused on using their platform to support their country. The development of young talent and their opportunities to play in top leagues abroad are seen as essential for the future of Ukrainian football. The hope is that football can help bring positivity and recovery to the lives of the next generation amidst the challenges posed by the war.
This weekend we're bringing you a documentary special from Times Radio's sister station, talkSPORT.
British-Ukrainian journalist and reporter Andrew Todos looks at how football in Ukraine has found its feet again, even as the war continues. Featuring Ukrainian icons Andriy Shevchenko, Sergei Rebrov and Oleksandr Zinchenko.