‘Playing for FC Mriya is a big dream for me”: an interview with left winger Mykyta Bordovskyi

Mykyta Bordovskyi is a left winger for FC Mriya (Hostomel), 22 years old. He is originally from Kharkiv, a city that became a symbol of resilience during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, Nikita tells his personal story – about his hometown, the war, his football career and why it is important for him to play for Mriya.

‘Kharkiv is a place of comfort, beauty and peace’

– Please tell us about your hometown. How would you describe Kharkiv to those who have never been there?
– I would describe Kharkiv in three words: cosiness, beauty and tranquillity. Before the war, it was a city that inspired with its architecture, wide avenues and life that was in full swing at every turn.

– What was the morning of 24 February 2022 like for you?
– Like for the whole country, it was anxious. We woke up at five in the morning. We were shocked by what was happening. The first 24 hours were a real challenge – we didn’t know what to do or where to go.

– How has Kharkiv changed since the start of the full-scale invasion?
– At first, it was a shock. The city was empty. I was walking down the street and saw only a few people. It was scary. But after a successful counter-offensive, our people started to return. Kharkiv is coming back to life, despite the danger.

‘The main thing is to be together’

– When did you leave Kharkiv?
– My family and I decided to leave on 7 March. We moved to our friends in Khmelnytskyi. It was not an easy decision, but the safety of the family was the most important thing.

– What do you remember most from those first days in the new city?
– We began to appreciate each other even more. The place did not matter – the main thing was to stay together, alive and healthy.

– Why did you later move to Kyiv?
– In Kharkiv, it is difficult to develop in football at a high level. That’s why I decided to look for opportunities in other cities and ended up in Kyiv.

‘Football has been my love since childhood’

– Why football?
– I was taken to various sports clubs, but Euro 2012 in Ukraine was the decisive event. After watching our national team play, I fell in love with football. I was particularly impressed with Andriy Shevchenko – I remember him scoring two goals against Sweden.

– How many years have you been playing football?
– 12 years.

‘A dream is more than a football club’

– How did you find out about FC Mriya?
– By chance, about three months ago. I was immediately interested in the idea of an IDP team that brings together people with similar life stories. It really resonated with me.

– What did you feel special about Mriya?
– Everyone here understands each other without words. We’ve all had similar experiences – losing our homes, fear, uncertainty. This creates a special connection on and off the pitch.

– What is your view on the club’s future?
– We have great potential. Even if the results are far from ideal now, I believe that the right work will definitely lead to success in three to five years.

‘Football in times of war is about unbreakability’

– Is football needed in times of war?
– Yes, it is. Football unites. It helps to keep us together, to maintain morale and reminds us that life goes on, even in the darkest times.

– What would you like to say to the fans, the military, and your partners?
– I would like to thank everyone who supports us. Especially our military, who give us the opportunity to live and play. We feel your support and will do our best to please you with our game.

‘Playing for FC Mriya is a big dream for me,’ concludes Nikita Bordovsky.
For him, it’s not just football. This is a fight for memory, for the future and for his Ukraine.’ Athlete, Ivy League graduate (University of Pennsylvania), entrepreneur and private equity consultant in football