Two Dynamo teams of the U-15 and U-16 age categories (footballers born in 2008 and 2007) have been in the German city of Cologne for the last three months, where they continue their football education in safe conditions. The guys train on the basis of the Ford Niehl amateur club, which kindly provided its fields, locker rooms and other infrastructure for the use of our teams. Ford Niehl President Gert Nettesheim told how his club helps Ukrainian football players:
Gert Nettesheim“When the war started in Ukraine, it was as sudden and unexpected for us as it was for the Ukrainians. Soon there was a need to provide help and support to people - there were more and more such requests. We began to do everything in our power, and for us it was absolutely natural.
- How did you react to the request to first host three Dynamo teams at your base and provide them with conditions for training?
— It was a great honor for me to help the children who came from Ukraine. Your teams arrived in the summer, at the beginning of August, it’s good that they didn’t have to go to school at that time, and in the morning they could go to training or play. So we did not hesitate, but immediately organized the process.
- Many of your teams train on two fields of your base, how difficult was it to adjust the schedule and allocate time for Dynamo training?
- In total, 22 teams train on our fields - 20 youth and 2 adults. Of course, when the school started, it became more difficult to organize the training process. But nevertheless, we tried to make sure that everyone had time to conduct classes. We give the opportunity to train several teams on the same field, which is very good, because the guys can make friends. When they return to Ukraine, they will have friends in Germany - this is definitely a plus for the children.
No matter how long the war goes on, we will continue to help as long as it takes. Children can practice as much as they want. The Ford Niehl will remain their second home until the very end of the war and until they can return to peaceful Ukraine.
- In addition to providing Dynamo football infrastructure, you also help morally so that our children can feel at home - there is a poster in Ukrainian colors at the entrance to the field with the words that Germany supports Ukraine, you organize a barbecue, plan spend a “Ukrainian day” during the match against Schalke, to which you invite Ukrainian fans and want to cook our national food. How do you combine practical help with emotional support?
- It's not difficult at all, because football unites. I don’t visit the base every day, but when I come, I am always very glad to see the guys, the coaches of your teams, and all the staff. Yes, and football players, as I said, get to know each other and make friends.
- During the war, many Ukrainians were forced to move to Germany. During these eight months, have you learned a lot about our people, culture and mentality?
- It does not matter which team trains and plays here - Ukrainian or German, Ford Niehl or Dynamo, we do not separate - now they are all ours. Naturally, every German who has seen or read about what is happening in your country on TV or on the Internet has taken a piece of Ukraine into his heart. The mentality, culture, religion of our countries are all very similar, so the Ukrainians are close to the Germans, and there are no difficulties.
I see that Ukraine is much more modern than Russia. In your country, we see a lot of people who are trying to learn, develop, many of them get higher education in Europe. It is felt that Ukraine does not want to stand still and remain on the same level, your people are guided by Europe and strive to move forward. The most important thing for Ukrainians is freedom. The way your men fight on the freedom front is admirable.
