More than 500 Ukrainians now live in Swindon, having settled in the town since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The trip was arranged through community networks backed by Pattern Church and Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, a volunteer-led partnership that has supported hundreds of people rebuilding their lives locally.
Among those who organised the trip was Swindon24 Sports Reporter Ian Howard, who also sits on the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine committee and is a volunteer at Pattern Church.
The fixture took place at Hill Dickinson Stadium and ended in a 3-0 win for England. Goals from Jess Carter, Georgia Stanway and Beth Mead secured victory in front of more than 26,000 supporters.
For many who travelled from Swindon, the occasion carried deeper meaning than the scoreline.
It offered a chance to celebrate their heritage, stand together as a community and reflect on the ties formed between Swindon and Ukraine over recent years.
Swindon is home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in Wiltshire. More than 500 people have settled in the borough through the government’s Homes for Ukraine schemes supported by private hosts.
Plans are also progressing for Swindon to formally twin with the western Ukrainian city of Rivne in coming weeks.
Swindon also has a strong women’s football scene, highlighted by Swindon Town Women FC winning their league title this year. The achievement reflects the growing profile and popularity of the women’s game across the town.
Ian Howard said:
“Many of the Ukrainians who travelled have built new lives in Swindon over the last few years, but they remain incredibly proud of their homeland. Being able to come together and support Ukraine was very special.
“Football has a unique ability to unite people. It was wonderful to see Swindon’s Ukrainian community sharing this experience together, while also celebrating the warm welcome they have received in our town.”
For Swindon’s Ukrainian residents, the evening served as a reminder that distance has not diminished their sense of identity.
With the town preparing to formalise its partnership with Rivne, those links appear set to grow stronger in the years ahead.
