Members of the Grand Priories of Sweden and the United Kingdom joined together this summer to support Myropil, a youth football team from the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine, as they travelled to Sweden to take part in Storsjöcupen.

Held in Östersund, Storsjöcupen brings young footballers together from different countries, offering opportunities to compete, build friendships and share their love of the game.

For the Myropil boys, the visit also offered something particularly precious: several days of peace and respite from life in a country at war. Their time in Sweden gave them an opportunity to enjoy football and simply be young.

The Grand Prior of Sweden highlighted the contributions of brothers and sisters in the United Kingdom, describing the cooperation as an example of the strength of the Order when its members work together. It gave practical expression to the Order’s motto, Ut Unum Sint — “That they may be one.”

The team’s departure was a poignant moment. Reflecting on their journey home, the Grand Prior described the surreal feeling of watching young people return to a country still at war after those brief days of relief.

SHOSJ extends its thanks to everyone in Sweden and the United Kingdom who contributed to supporting the team. Through their shared efforts, the young players were able to take part in an international sporting event and experience a welcome interval of peace, companionship and enjoyment.

Our thoughts remain with the boys, their families and their communities in Ukraine.