Faith continues to advance across Ukraine through SportQuest partners who steward soccer as a platform for discipleship, leadership, and gospel-centered transformation. In the midst of war, uncertainty, and daily hardship, God continues to shape lives through faithful local leaders and resilient communities.

Penuel Soccer Club in Kryvyi Rih

At Penuel Soccer Club, youth Bible studies and football training continue week after week. What began as summer camp momentum has grown into a steady movement of spiritual awakening. Young athletes now engage consistently in Bible studies, children’s gatherings, and local church services.

Leadership at Penuel focuses first on spiritual formation. Founder and pastor Andrii Tripolskiy pours his greatest energy into mentoring youth and adults, building character and faith before focusing on competition. Soccer remains a tool, but discipleship leads the mission.

Against significant challenges, Penuel completed the first stage of professional championship play. Match results varied, yet the greatest victory unfolded off the field. Players modeled Christ-centered character, opened doors for local athletes, and reflected the hope of the gospel through every interaction.

One powerful story comes from Maksym, a player who joined Penuel in 2017 at eight years old and now competes professionally at sixteen. Raised in extremely difficult family circumstances, Maksym found stability, guidance, and purpose through the club. Penuel continues to serve as a refuge for young people stepping away from destructive environments and discovering hope, identity, and ultimately Jesus.

Peremoga Soccer Club in Kamianets Podilskyi

In western Ukraine, Peremoga Soccer Club, led by Maksym Sokurenko, continues to shape both hearts and skills. Ministry extends beyond team rosters. One sixteen year old who no longer plays still attends Bible studies, receives personal mentoring, and helps serve during training sessions.

Another thirteen year old experienced a restored relationship with his father. His father personally reached out to express gratitude for the influence Peremoga brought into his son’s life. These moments reveal the quiet but powerful impact of faithful presence.



Athletic development continues to open doors. One goalkeeper earned acceptance into FC Shakhtar Donetsk, while four additional players attended trials with LNZ. Strong training environments attract new families, yet character formation and spiritual growth remain the foundation of everything Peremoga builds.

Despite ongoing power outages that leave many communities without electricity for 12 to 15 hours each day, the club adapts by rotating training locations and utilizing available facilities. Ministry continues because faith refuses to pause.

The Reality Across Ukraine

The broader situation remains difficult. In the Odesa region, recent attacks left seventy percent of the population without electricity and water for at least a week. Christian sports clubs continue training using gas generators, refusing to retreat from their calling.



In Shostka, a drone strike hit a gym while children practiced inside. By God’s grace, no lives were lost, though the building suffered severe damage. Ministry continues even when the cost feels high.

A Family Testimony of God’s Care

Amid ministry challenges, God brought encouragement to the Petrenko family. Recent testing revealed 38 percent kidney function for Ivan, offering real hope that both kidneys can remain intact. Doctors plan further evaluation in the coming months, and the family continues to trust the Lord for full healing.

Hope rises not because circumstances improve, but because God remains faithful.