Lokomotiv and Azov Announce Partnership: How Football Supports Defenders.

On Saturday, August 9, the first home match of the Second League season took place at the NTK stadium named after Viktor Bannikov, where 'Lokomotiv' played against 'Chaika'.

The main event was the FREE AZOVSTAL DEFENDERS campaign and the new partnership of the club with the 'Azov' brigade.

Prior to the start of the game, young trainees of the 'Lokomotiv' academy took to the field wearing shirts with calls to support defenders who are in captivity. Particular attention was drawn to over 800 servicemen of 'Azov' who have been held in captivity for a long time. Present at the match were Heroes of Ukraine, wounded servicemen, families of military personnel and prisoners of war. The first kick of the ball in the match was made by fighters of the 'Azov' brigade, and their appearance on the field was met with applause from the fans.

During the match, the memory of the fallen was honored and the national anthem was performed.

There were also locations with official club merchandise and a joint collection of the 'Azov' brigade on the stadium premises. The funds raised will go to support social projects. The 'Lokomotiv' club and the '4308' organization launched a sports program for the families of servicemen of the 'Azov' brigade and other units. This project provides free classes for children and relatives at the 'Lokomotiv' academy and the creation of a space for support and development. The match between 'Lokomotiv' and 'Chaika' ended in a 1:1 draw. Earlier, a combat medic from the 'Azov' brigade received the European Medic of the Year award in the 'military medicine' category. The ceremonial match between 'Lokomotiv' and 'Chaika' took place in Kyiv, where the club's partnership with the 'Azov' brigade was the main event, and servicemen and their families were warmly welcomed and honored. The game became a symbol of unity and support for those who stand on the defense of the country.