Egor, one of the teenage players, explained: “For me, football is a very important part of my life. I am a goalkeeper and it is a very important position in the field.”
His teammate, Mykyta, agreed: “I am learning with the sport and I am trying my best to achieve all my goals.
“I hope that in the future my dreams will come true.”
Members of Leeds’ Ukrainian community and the Leeds International Aid charity arranged the trip, with the support of Leeds United.
Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, organises welcome events to the city for visitors from Ukraine, and that has included a friendly match between the teenagers from Kharkiv and Leeds United’s Under 15s.
Sobel said: “I think it shows there is still international solidarity after four years for the people of Ukraine and Kharkiv with Leeds.
“It shows that the city stands with them. Football is a global sport and brings everyone together.”
