24.06.2026
In football, as in energy, the result depends on teamwork. This was once again proven by the charity tournament ENERGY CUP-2026, which brought together representatives of Ukrainian energy companies not only for the sake of sports competition, but also for a common charitable goal.
On June 20, in Kyiv, Energy Club held the seventh charity football tournament among Ukrainian energy companies ENERGY CUP-2026. The format combines a sports competition, informal communication between company representatives and a charitable component.
Energy Cup has been held since 2022. During this time, funds were raised for equipment, FPV drones, communication equipment, repeaters, medical equipment and other necessary assistance for military units. This year, the funds were directed to help the 20th separate brigade of K-2 unmanned systems under the command of Hero of Ukraine Lieutenant Colonel Kyrylo Veres.
One of the most outstanding teams of the tournament was Ukrhydroenergo, which won bronze awards, and its player Nazariy Fedynchuk received the title of best striker. About the tournament, emotions and the meaning of such meetings – in the team interview.
The impressions from ENERGY CUP-2026 remained very good. The tournament was organized at a high level – everything was clear, without delays and unnecessary fuss. A special atmosphere was felt: on the field – struggle and sports excitement, and outside it – friendly communication between colleagues from different energy companies. It was clear that the teams came not just to “mark themselves”, but to really play and fight for the result.
What was the most important thing for your team in this tournament: sports results, team interaction, communication with colleagues from the market or a charitable goal?
Probably, it was the combination of all these components. We wanted to represent Ukrhydroenergo worthily and show good football. But no less important were the team spirit, the opportunity to communicate with colleagues from other companies and feel like part of a large energy community. And the charitable goal of the tournament added special meaning to each match.
How do you assess the level of play this year? Did it feel like the teams were preparing seriously?
Absolutely. The level of the teams was very decent. It felt like many were seriously preparing for the tournament. Almost every match was a tight contest, and the outcome often remained open until the final whistle. It is these games that make the tournament interesting.
What moment of the tournament was most memorable for your team?
The most memorable was the second half of the match for the bronze medals. It was a real emotional rollercoaster – the tension lasted until the last minutes, and everything could change at any moment. It is nice that we managed to win third place, but the main thing is not even medals. The most important thing is the understanding that we all gathered to support our defenders. This is what added special meaning to each game.
This year, the tournament is aimed at supporting the 20th separate brigade of K-2 unmanned systems under the command of Hero of Ukraine Lieutenant Colonel Kyrylo Veres. How important is it for your company to join such initiatives of the energy community?
For Ukrhydroenergo, supporting the military is not a one-time action, but a systematic effort. Therefore, the opportunity to join such an initiative together with the entire energy community is very important to us. It is nice that the company’s management supports such events and the participation of employees in charitable projects. When sport helps raise funds for those who defend the country, it truly has a special value.
Do you plan to participate in the next Energy Cup tournaments and what, in your opinion, could be added or improved in the future?
We definitely plan to. ENERGY CUP has already become a good tradition for energy workers. It has everything: sports excitement, team spirit, lively communication and a charitable component. As for improvements, the organizers set a high bar every year. Therefore, the main wish is to preserve this atmosphere of unity, for which everyone gathers at the tournament.
Bronze awards and the individual award for the best striker were a pleasant result of the tournament for Ukrhydroenergo. At the same time, the participants call the main result of ENERGY CUP-2026 the opportunity to unite around a common charitable goal. After all, it is such initiatives that prove: energy professionals know how to not only work together, but also help those on whom they depend today the security of the country.
