On October 13, representatives of the "Omega" division of Ukraine's National Guard — active servicemen, veterans and veteran women — as well as families of fallen soldiers visited a match between Ukraine and Azerbaijan in Krakow within the World Cup-2026 qualifiers.

The trip to Krakow for "Omega" representatives and their presence at the game were made possible thanks to the UAF's social program "We Cheer for Our Own," aimed at supporting and rehabilitating Ukrainian defenders through sports. For many of them, this was their first experience attending a football match or watching Ukraine's national team play.

Indeed, Serhiy Kozachenko, an Odessa native, former special assignment officer in the "Omega" unit, veteran with the call sign "Cossack," started his service as far back as 2007. He carried out combat missions in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, participated in the liberation of Kharkiv region, for which he was awarded presidential medals "For Military Service to Ukraine" and "For Defense of Ukraine."

Photo by Yaroslav Zagoruiko

"A few days ago, I was watching at home as the national team played against Iceland and was nervous... Now I get to see it all live. The last time I attended a match was when 'Zorya' played against Manchester City in Odessa on the Chernomorets stadium — back then, I was responsible for order at the venue. Such trips are moral and psychological rehabilitation for military personnel; you can feel this spirit of victory not only on the battlefield but also off it. And we want our team to fight just as hard and give us positive emotions. Thank you boys for the win," — noted Serhiy Kozachenko.

Photo by Yaroslav Zagoruiko

One of the most passionate supporters on the stands was Olha Polishchuk, who served from 2018 to 2024. She held a position as an officer in the S-4 section of the special unit "Omega." She retired due to health issues and returned home to Donetsk, where her daughter had been living without her for three years.

"I was very nervous but it's a pleasant kind of nervousness because I've never been to a football match before — only watched on TV. This is our team; the boys represent our country, and we will cheer them on and support them. I believe that sports are one of the most important ways to make ourselves known, show that we exist, that we're alive and fighting for ourselves. Such events are very important for military personnel," — noted Olha Polishchuk.

Photo by Yaroslav Zagoruiko

Serhiy Nazarenko is an officer in the Special Purpose Center "Omega." In 2024, he sustained injuries — traumatic amputation due to a mine explosion.

"I always watched football on TV — maybe some local district competitions. But I've never been to any big matches before, so this is my first experience. New emotions, new feelings, new impressions. Such trips are also a good opportunity for society to see that military personnel are just like everyone else; we can rest, be happy, receive new emotions and support our national team. This is also a way of integration into the world," — said Serhiy Nazarenko.

Photo by Yaroslav Zagoruiko

"The game was very beautiful, emotional and quite challenging. The greatest joy is that we won in the end. The boys are carrying out an important mission on the international stage — showing Ukraine to the world. And today they once again proved that we're the best," — emphasized Serhiy Nazarenko.

The UAF expresses gratitude to brand RIOTDIVISION for their support. Part of the proceeds from a charitable clothing collection dedicated to football supporters was directed towards organizing this trip.