Among Your Own: the first friendly in Shchaslyve
Monday, July 28, 2025
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Mariupol defenders play the first friendly in Shchaslyve as part of the Among Your Own initiative
On Saturday, July 26, Shakhtar Social, together with the Heart of Azovstal NGO, held a friendly match in Shchaslyve as part of the Among Your Own initiative between Mariupol defenders and the charitable veterans’ team Karpatski Vedmedi.
This was their first away match for the Mariupol defenders’ team, who train in Dnipro. Ahead of the trip, the team chose the name Mariupol Neskoreni symbolising their resilience in the face of the enemy, strength of spirit and unwavering character. In addition to the name, the players received their own kit and crest.
The match was played in a warm and friendly atmosphere – a true football show with plenty of goals, ending in a thrilling 7-7 draw. Karpatski Vedmedi line-up included former Shakhtar players Serhii Kryvtsov and Artem Fedetskyi, who is also a co-founder of the team.
This was their first away match for the Mariupol defenders’ team, who train in Dnipro. Ahead of the trip, the team chose the name Mariupol Neskoreni symbolising their resilience in the face of the enemy, strength of spirit and unwavering character. In addition to the name, the players received their own kit and crest.
The match was played in a warm and friendly atmosphere – a true football show with plenty of goals, ending in a thrilling 7-7 draw. Karpatski Vedmedi line-up included former Shakhtar players Serhii Kryvtsov and Artem Fedetskyi, who is also a co-founder of the team.
I really wanted to support the guys who went through the hell of war and bring them some positive emotions – it means a great deal
Serhii Kryvtsov, Karpatski Vedmedi player:
– This match was full of symbolism as we know that Mariupol Neskoreni are supported by Shakhtar, the club I once played for. I really wanted to support the guys who went through the hell of war and bring them some positive emotions – it means a great deal. The event was held to a high standard and I want to thank the organisers. Sport undoubtedly helps with rehabilitation, when you move, you live and feel real passion.
The Among Your Own initiative is aimed at supporting the defenders of Mariupol and their families. The project seeks to promote physical and emotional recovery, social reintegration of participants and meaningful family leisure.
Oleksii Tokovoi, Mariupol Neskoreni player:
– Projects like this, which give us the chance to play sport, bring emotions and help distract from negative thoughts, are extremely important. Sport is a key part of rehabilitation: while training, you stay in shape, stay focused, reflect more, and at the same time, you relax. The emotions from the match were purely positive!
As part of the project, regular football training sessions are held, along with family events, group viewings of Shakhtar matches and visits to the team’s games. Currently, 77 Mariupol defenders and their family members living in Dnipro have already joined the initiative.
– This match was full of symbolism as we know that Mariupol Neskoreni are supported by Shakhtar, the club I once played for. I really wanted to support the guys who went through the hell of war and bring them some positive emotions – it means a great deal. The event was held to a high standard and I want to thank the organisers. Sport undoubtedly helps with rehabilitation, when you move, you live and feel real passion.
The Among Your Own initiative is aimed at supporting the defenders of Mariupol and their families. The project seeks to promote physical and emotional recovery, social reintegration of participants and meaningful family leisure.
Oleksii Tokovoi, Mariupol Neskoreni player:
– Projects like this, which give us the chance to play sport, bring emotions and help distract from negative thoughts, are extremely important. Sport is a key part of rehabilitation: while training, you stay in shape, stay focused, reflect more, and at the same time, you relax. The emotions from the match were purely positive!
As part of the project, regular football training sessions are held, along with family events, group viewings of Shakhtar matches and visits to the team’s games. Currently, 77 Mariupol defenders and their family members living in Dnipro have already joined the initiative.
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