Children from Ukraine's frontline cities led players onto the pitch
Saturday, August 1, 2026
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Participants in the United Together project from Ukraine's frontline cities led the players of Czech side Sparta Prague onto the pitch
Boys and girls from Lozova and Zaporizhzhia, who are participants in the United Together project, had the opportunity to take part in the pre-match ceremony of one of the Czech Republic's leading clubs, walking out onto the pitch with Sparta Prague's players ahead of their league match against Zlín.
The parents and I are sincerely grateful to Shakhtar Social for their support during these difficult times. Events like this give children a chance to take their minds off the war in Ukraine
Volodymyr Kremsa, coach of the United Together project in Zaporizhzhia:
– It was an incredible emotional experience for children who play football and dream of becoming professional players. A packed stadium, a real celebration, and the chance to stand on the pitch alongside the players – it was unforgettable for them. The parents and I are sincerely grateful to Shakhtar Social for their support during these difficult times. Events like this give children a chance to take their minds off the war in Ukraine.
The event took place as part of the long-standing partnership between Shakhtar Social and Sparta Prague, which is now in its fourth consecutive year. Experiences like this help children take their minds off the realities of war, experience positive emotions and make new friends.
– It was an incredible emotional experience for children who play football and dream of becoming professional players. A packed stadium, a real celebration, and the chance to stand on the pitch alongside the players – it was unforgettable for them. The parents and I are sincerely grateful to Shakhtar Social for their support during these difficult times. Events like this give children a chance to take their minds off the war in Ukraine.
The event took place as part of the long-standing partnership between Shakhtar Social and Sparta Prague, which is now in its fourth consecutive year. Experiences like this help children take their minds off the realities of war, experience positive emotions and make new friends.
I have very positive memories of the match and the atmosphere
Volodymyr Donets, 11 years old, participant in the United Together project in Zaporizhzhia:
– I had the chance to visit the Czech Republic and Sparta Prague's stadium. They have so many trophies, and I'm happy they've managed to win them! During the tour, I also learned a lot about Sparta Prague's history. I have very positive memories of the match and the atmosphere.
– I had the chance to visit the Czech Republic and Sparta Prague's stadium. They have so many trophies, and I'm happy they've managed to win them! During the tour, I also learned a lot about Sparta Prague's history. I have very positive memories of the match and the atmosphere.
The pitch was amazing, and the fans were fantastic. It was a truly unforgettable atmosphere!
Polina Pashchenko, 12 years old, participant in the United Together project in Lozova:
– The pitch was amazing, and the fans were fantastic. It was a truly unforgettable atmosphere! I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. I'm sure I'll keep playing football in the future.
The United Together project, launched by Shakhtar Social with the support of The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, brings together children from Ukraine's frontline regions. Among the participants are internally displaced children, as well as those whose families have suffered losses because of the war or whose loved ones continue to defend Ukraine.
– The pitch was amazing, and the fans were fantastic. It was a truly unforgettable atmosphere! I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. I'm sure I'll keep playing football in the future.
The United Together project, launched by Shakhtar Social with the support of The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, brings together children from Ukraine's frontline regions. Among the participants are internally displaced children, as well as those whose families have suffered losses because of the war or whose loved ones continue to defend Ukraine.
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