A young Ukrainian footballer who fled his home on the outskirts of Kyiv with his mother and brother following bombings in their area has recently started playing with Ballinamallard United Football Club after settling with a host family in Omagh.

A talented football player, Makar Marynoshenko (13) had been with Ukrainian team Dynamo Kiev's youth academy from he was six years of age and was due to sign his first contract with the club in September 2022.

However, earlier this year, Makar and his brother Diomid (16), accompanied by their mother Kristina arrived in Northern Ireland on May 28 under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, after having to flee their home in Bucha on the outskirts of Kyiv following bombings in the area.

They had five minutes to pack a rucksack each and go. Makar got his priorities right and ensured that his football boots were one of the first things packed away safely for the journey ahead. A few days later Russian soldiers moved into their home and wrecked the inside and outside, putting bullets through Diomid's scooter before they left.

The family fled to Poland leaving their father behind and seeking refuge. They applied to live in the UK and were contacted by a host family in Omagh.

After getting settled in a secure home with Una and Stephen Armstrong in Omagh, and starting Drumragh Integrated College, the next priority was getting Makar playing football. Luckily for Makar his host was a big football fan and started by sending him to Pro Football Coaching where Caolan McAleer, a first team player at Ballinamallard immediately saw his potential and suggested Ballinamallard FC as the place for him to play. Whitey Anderson was contacted and then the long journey to getting him playing began.

Youth chairman Whitey Anderson commented: "Caolan made contact with myself regarding Makar over four months ago and suggested that we take a look at him in training. We only needed one training session to assess Makar's qualities and from there the process began to gain international clearance which can be a lengthy one to be honest."

Due to Makar being initially issued a wrong Visa, he was unable to play at the Super Cup with the club.

"Thankfully it was all cleared up and Makar recently made his debut for our under 14 team against Loughgall at the Bawnacre," said Whitey.

He went on to note that any coach that has worked with Makar are, besides his obvious talent, taken aback by his drive, determination and positive attitude to do well: "He is an extremely popular young man with a wonderful personality who impresses both coaches and players alike. Makar and his family have a story to tell and we are only delighted to be able to help out in some small way."