Local soccer club rallies around former teammate now fighting in Ukraine

Guelph United is sending their support to former goalie Svyatik Artemenko, who is currently in Ukraine on his way to the front lines to defend his home country from invading Russian forces.

On Sunday, the team got together on the pitch and arranged themselves into a heart, with team members holding up goalkeeper jerseys in a show of solidarity for their former team members.

Guelph United coach Keith Mason said despite one of their own being across the ocean and entering into dangerous territory, the club wanted to show their support for their goalkeeper.

Mason also coached Artemenko for a semester at the University of Guelph.

“I went to our storage, I got every goalie shirt that we had in our storage for sale in our club shop, and I said we’re all going to hold up his goalie shirts and make a heart to just let him know we’re all thinking about him at this time,” said Mason.

This display of solidarity is just the start for Guelph United in its pursuit to help the people of Ukraine.

Mason said at Wednesday's board meeting the club will be discussing further ways to bring fundraising efforts into the community with all funds raised going directly to help Ukrainian citizens.

Artemenko’s story was first published by GuelphToday and has since gained national media attention as the goalkeeper moves from the pitch to the front lines.

The 22-year-old told GuelphToday that after being born in Odessa, Ukraine, his family relocated to Winnipeg.

Eventually making his way to Guelph, Artemenko was a key part of the men’s semi-pro soccer club became the first team in League1 Ontario history to win the title in its first season

In the Instagram post, Guelph United said: “We stand with our number 1. Guelph United players and staff send love and support to one of the amazing members of the Guelph United family, Svyatik Artemenko as well as the people of Ukraine.

“We wanted to show ur support by just letting him know even though he is many miles away, our thoughts are with him every day and we are just hoping this thing will end and he can get back to what he loves, which is playing soccer,” said Mason. “In the meantime, he has our full support, the full support of Guelph United going to all Ukrainian people at this time.”

Mason said the time with Artemenko was short, but on the pitch he was a phenomenal player who was committed to the game of soccer and leading his teammates both on and off the pitch.

“He was with us for one year, and I've never known such a hardworking, committed, principled individual when it came to the sport,” said Mason. “He just threw everything into it, and I know that he is doing exactly the same now, but for a different cause. And for that, we are extremely proud, but we hope him and all Ukrainians can stay safe.”