Families Honor Fallen Fans at Polissya vs Kryvbas Memorial Match in Zhytomyr

Polissya vs Kryvbas: A Tribute to Fallen Supporters

According to Рубрика: On September 18, 2026, the Central Stadium in Zhytomyr hosted a significant fixture of the 7th round of the 2026/27 football season between FC Polissya and FC Kryvbas. This game was dedicated to the memory of Polissya fans who lost their lives defending Ukraine. Proceeds from ticket sales were fully donated to support the families of the deceased. The match was broadcast live on UPL.TV, with tickets available exclusively through Polissya’s club box office.

The Heroes’ Stand Charity Foundation

Established in autumn 2022 by Kharkiv-based Metalist supporters Tikhon Amosov and Dmytro Kukuruza, the Heroes’ Stand Charity Foundation provides monthly financial aid to families of fans who died during the war. Since its inception, the foundation has supported over 80 bereaved families by the end of 2022. In partnership with the Ukrainian Premier League, the foundation initiated a dedicated Championship Round of Remembrance, where every match began with a moment of silence honoring more than 160 football fans lost in the conflict.

The Polissya vs Kryvbas match continued this tradition of club-level memorial charity events, organized under the foundation’s efforts. Additionally, Zhytomyr hosted its second charitable 8x8 football tournament featuring military unit teams, coordinated by the BGV Charity Fund alongside FC Polissya.

Significant contributions from prominent figures have further bolstered the foundation’s work:

• Andriy Shevchenko donated over 400,000 hryvnias and personally met with children of the fallen.
• Oleh Luzhny facilitated connections with club owners and, together with leadership from Rukh and Karpaty clubs, donated 1.5 million hryvnias.
• Oleksandr Zinchenko contributed $10,000, while Artem Dovbyk gave 100,000 hryvnias.

These efforts highlight a strong network of support aimed at assisting families left behind and keeping the memory of the lost alive.

The memorial match between Polissya and Kryvbas resonated deeply not only with fans but also with the wider community, emphasizing the critical importance of backing families affected by wartime loss. Thanks to the dedication of the Heroes’ Stand Foundation and generous donors, such initiatives raise awareness of the challenges these families face. Football thus serves as a powerful platform to honor fallen supporters and provide ongoing support to those left without loved ones.

In addition to the memorial match, the ongoing efforts to support the community are evident through initiatives like the new charity zone launched by Polissya FC. This initiative aims to assist teenagers and the Ukrainian Armed Forces, further demonstrating the club's commitment to social responsibility and community support during these challenging times.