2 days ago
Shevchenko hopes Ukrainian soccer history can be preserved through Toronto exhibition
Fans of all ages flocked to a vibrant historical exhibition of Ukrainian soccer history in Toronto on Thursday and Friday, highlighted by a special appearance by 2004 Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko.
Designed to coincide with the Ukrainian national team's appearance at the Canadian Shield – a four-team men's international tournament also featuring Canada, Ivory Coast and New Zealand – the exhibition is running until June 10. Ukraine and Canada kick off a tournament doubleheader Saturday afternoon at BMO Field, with New Zealand and Ivory Coast playing later the same day.
In collaboration with the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada and the Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) displayed all of its national team jerseys dating back to 1991, FIFA World Cup balls and club flags and scarves since the early eighties. And there was plenty of silverware, too, with European trophies won by some of those teams also on display.
'Football is part of being Ukrainian,' said Artem Dzherikh, who was attending the event with his English teacher. 'It's in our everyday life.'
Also enjoying the artifact-filled hall was a select group of players, who held a Q&A session after taking a look at some of the history that they now help to write.
'I have never had the opportunity to meet the team,' Dzherikh said. 'Even when I was back home [in Ukraine], we never had an opportunity like this.'
Some kids also had the chance to ask the players questions, before racing in line for autographs and pictures. The questions ranged from 'How can I be famous like you?' to 'Who is your favourite player?' and the classic, '[Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo?'
Mark Milchevych, who is 11 years old, was at the event that 'he couldn't miss' with his mother after a long day at school. During his wait in the lobby before entering the exhibition, Milchevych and his friends were kickabout with the ball he brought along.
'I want the players to sign my ball and wish my generation good luck so I can succeed like them,' Milchevych said. 'It's very exciting that my national team is here.'
Though admission into the event was free, the organizers emphasized the importance of donations to charities that are helping children affected by the war in Ukraine. Many wearing the yellow and blue colours of the national team handed over a donation before walking inside and headed toward a specific section in the room.
An infographic wall with pictures and text titled 'Football and War' drew immediate attention from the entering crowd. Situated alongside it was the military uniform of FC Volyn Lutsk player Roman Maksymiuk, who went missing on the battlefield defending Ukraine.
On the same table were valid tickets for a scheduled Ukrainian Premier League match set to take place in February, 2022. The fixture was cancelled due to the start of the invasion, and has since been coined by fans as 'the match that never happened.'
'Even during the war, we still believe we can improve football, and provide everything for our young generation,' said Shevchenko, who is also the UAF president. 'We can still grow and deliver.'
Shevchenko is widely considered one of the best strikers to ever grace a soccer pitch, winning trophies at every club he played for. As he walked into the hall to take questions, the crowd erupted, and the expression of disbelief across the faces of the waiting children was contagious.
'I could not believe it,' Milchevych said after getting his soccer ball signed by his 'inspiration.'
The impact of the war has been harsh on the Ukraninan Premier League's financial health, soccer infrastructure, and players who have taken themselves to the front line, says Shevchenko. However, the fan affection has not been hindered as the regular season is operating without restricted attendance, in comparison to the start of the war.
'Football events bring joy at a time that is very difficult,' said Mykola Vasylkov, who is a volunteer with the UFA, helping to set up events with the team on the road. 'It is a sign of normal life, which [is what] we want to finally achieve.'
Shevchenko and Dzherikh both feel grateful to Canada and the way its people have welcomed Ukrainians fleeing the war, helping to provide them with a sense of community. There is nothing they bond over more than soccer, and an exhibition of this scale is important to preserve their history, Shevchenko added.
'If you look at the history of each player [part of the team], 90 per cent of them have been affected by the war,' he said. 'It's always been an incredible connection [with the fans].'
