Warm Welcome Back for Goalkeeper Svyatik Artemenko

May 5, 2022, Guelph -

Guelph United FC is happy to announce the safe return of goalkeeper Svyatik Artemenko. After helping GUFC secure the 2021 League1 Ontario championship, Svyatik signed a professional contract with a soccer team in Ukraine just days before the Russian invasion. When war broke out in late February, he showed great courage and strength by choosing to enlist in the army and aid the people of Ukraine. Svyatik has now returned to Canada after his military tour and is looking forward to rejoining Guelph United FC for the 2022 season. 

Svyatik’s teammates and coaches are overjoyed to have him back in Guelph. “Svyatik is a talented, dedicated soccer player,” says Head Coach Keith Mason, “but he is an even better human being. We couldn’t be more proud of him for standing up for the people and freedom of Ukraine, but we are also excited to see him safely back home.” In addition to his play on the field, Svyatik was actively involved in various initiatives within the Guelph community last year and was always willing to lend a helping hand. As Mason says, “Svyatik is a great teammate and friend to everyone he meets, whether it’s on the field or off.” 

Svyatik returns just in time for Guelph United’s opening match of the Canadian Championship, Canada’s high domestic soccer cup, against the H.F.X. Wanderers on May 10th. It was his 11th hour efforts during the penalty shoot-out in last year’s League1 Ontario semi-final match against Masters FA which helped the team secure their spot in the competition. Svyatik and the rest of the Guelph United FC team will look to best H.F.X. on Tuesday and earn the chance to play against Toronto FC in round two. 

The players and staff of Guelph United FC continue to send our love and support to Ukraine, and we ask that you keep the people of Ukraine in your thoughts and prayers during this time of crisis. Thank you!