On the field of Chernihiv Arena Stadium, children’s voices and the sound of a ball being kicked can be heard once again. Despite shattered windows and the scars left by the March 2022 air strikes, the students of the Specialized Children and Youth Olympic Reserve School “Desna” have returned to training. On March 11, 2022, Russian shelling left deep wounds on the stadium — as it did across the whole city of Chernihiv. Yet today, work is in full swing here again: young footballers practice their passes, listen to their coach’s instructions, and stubbornly run forward — despite the air raid sirens, despite the ruins.
Football on the damaged field has become more than just a game for them; it is a symbol of resilience. Where war sought to sow fear, a new generation is growing up, learning how to win.
Maksym Kishka for Reuters News Agency