From July 6 to 11, a soccer camp in Poland hosted by Abilene Christian University’s LYNAY program and the nonprofit Love Does offered Ukrainian refugee children a space to play, learn and feel safe amid the ongoing conflict.
The initiative specifically targeted youngsters who had fled Ukraine, many of whom arrived with their mothers while their fathers remained on the front lines, carrying the weight of a war that has displaced millions.
Dr. Jason Morris, dean of the Honors College at ACU and co‑director of the LYNAY program, explained that the camp embodies the program’s mission to develop servant leaders through service that reaches both local and international communities.
Love Does, an organization known for its work in human‑rights advocacy, education and community support worldwide, partnered with ACU to provide logistics, translators and a caring environment for the children.
Jakob Enriquez, a sophomore at ACU, spent the week building friendships with the children, noting how the simple act of kicking a ball created a common language that transcended cultural and linguistic barriers.
A Lesson in Service
One participant named Alex used Google Translate to express his emotions before the farewell, then embraced Enriquez and the other volunteers in a heartfelt goodbye that underscored the deep connections formed during the camp.
Beyond the matches and drills, the camp offered the children a temporary escape from trauma, a chance to experience normalcy, and a glimpse of hope that service can bridge even the widest cultural divides.
The experience reinforced the principles of servant leadership that both LYNAY and Love Does champion, showing that compassion on the field can ripple into lasting impact for families and communities affected by war.