since the start of the war, Ukrainian players have been training with AS Poissy players

Almost everywhere in France, Ukrainian refugees are welcomed in athletics, biathlon and even basketball clubs. They provide their infrastructure or even accommodation such as AS Poissy, in the Paris region. This National 2 football club has been training for almost a month almost daily with Ukrainian players from the Alians Lypova Dolyna club. A club which is based in the Sumy oblast, in the northeast of Ukraine and which plays in the 2nd division.

In the middle of the tracksuits and navy blue cap, six players wear green, the color of the Alians Lypova Dolyna. “Two touches of balls inside”, when the AS Poissy coach gives his instructions. Karim the interpreter translates live. This resident of Poissy of Ukrainian origin made the link between the Ile-de-France club and the players training in Turkey when the war broke out. “We were very well receivedexplains Kostia, 26, Ukrainian central defender. The players brought us shampoos, towels and food.”

His teammate Alexander now only smiles on the pitch: “We didn’t expect there to be such a good level for a fourth division. Playing here is our breath of fresh air, we think of other things.” Another attacking player should be allowed to join the AS Poissy squad for the next matches. So instead of who? “We don’t think about that, we only think about what it can bring us”explains Mourad, Ile-de-France defender.

“It’s completely different football. It’s much more solid, much more discipline than with us in the way they play.”

Mourad, AS Poissy defender

at franceinfo

With their families safe in western Ukraine for now, the players are sure to stay at least another two months until the end of the season.