The Ukrainian Red Cross helped organise a trip to Trnava, Slovakia, for children of Ukraine’s defenders

The Ukrainian Red Cross, together with the Central Directorate for Civil-Military Cooperation of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF), helped organise a trip for children of Ukraine’s defenders to Trnava, Slovakia.

The trip took place as part of the UAF’s “Hand in Hand with a Dream” initiative. On 5 October, ahead of the Ukraine–Hungary match in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, the children walked out onto the pitch with the Ukraine national team players.

This time, the opportunity to walk onto the pitch alongside the national team players was given to children of Heroes of Ukraine and service members awarded the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Order, selected from among participants in the “My Country, My Team” project.

Football means something different to every child. For some, their love of the game began with their father; others have supported the same team since childhood, while for some, sport has become a special connection to someone close to them. Before the match, the children met the national team players, talked with them and received autographs. The following evening, they joined the players on the pitch and then cheered for Ukraine from the stands.

The Ukrainian Red Cross provided transportation and accommodation for the children during the trip and ensured safe, comfortable conditions throughout their stay abroad.

For children of service members, experiences like these offer an opportunity to spend time with their idols and create lasting memories. The Ukrainian Red Cross will continue to support initiatives that assist the families of Ukraine’s defenders and protect those most vulnerable.