“Tennis Was a Dream”: The Journey of a Marta Kostyuk Foundation Volunteer
Tennis often feels distant and out of reach — especially where there are no courts or coaches. But sometimes dreams find their own way. This is what happened with Zoia, a volunteer at the Marta Kostyuk Foundation, who was born in Lubny, studied languages in Kyiv, and today is studying in the UK while helping develop tennis in Ukraine.
Her story is about a journey from childhood fascination to professional training at an English Premier League club, and about how sport can change the lives of people around it.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What was your first dream?
Hello! My name is Zoia, I come from the small town of Lubny in the Poltava region. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by tennis — the game always seemed elegant, dynamic, and very special to me. But I didn’t have the opportunities to play: no courts, no coaches. So tennis remained just a dream.
My first academic path was connected with linguistics — I studied French and Spanish at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. I’ve always liked Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s thought: “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” Languages opened doors to different cultures, ways of thinking, and gave me adaptability — a valuable skill in any field.
How did you end up in the UK and decide to change your field?
My long-standing passion for sports and interest in its strategic and social aspects became the driving force for change. Tennis has always attracted me, although my playing skills still need practice. My style is so unpredictable that sometimes even I don’t know where the ball will go. I jokingly call it “psychological pressure on the opponent” (smiles).
With the start of the full-scale invasion, I found myself in the UK. I decided to begin a new stage and enrolled at the University of Liverpool for the Sports Business and Management program. Last year, I had an incredible opportunity to do an internship at Burnley Football Club of the English Premier League.
This experience allowed me to see the inside of a big club: match organization, partnership projects, strategic planning. The highlight was helping plan a fundraising event for the club’s charity, Burnley in the Community. The idea was to bring together the local community and businesses while raising funds for social programs.
That was when I realized that sport isn’t only about victories — it’s also a way to truly change people’s lives.
How did you learn about the Marta Kostyuk Foundation, and why did you decide to join?
In December 2024, I saw a post on Instagram about the Foundation’s relaunch. I wrote to the team almost immediately. It was important for me to become part of an initiative that combines two things: sport as a driving force for development, and support for Ukrainian youth.
From the first call in January to the official start of cooperation in May, several months passed — a period of preparation, since I became the Foundation’s first volunteer. We discussed the work format, tasks, and eventually signed an official agreement. That confirmed the seriousness of intentions and became an important step in my professional development.
What do you do as a volunteer?
I help with internal processes: organizing project work in Monday.com, contributing to the development of the volunteer program, assisting with grant applications, and attending donor workshops.
Right now, I’m mostly focused on finding partners and sponsors in the UK. It’s a bit like online dating: instead of “do they like me?” you think “do they like our mission?” And rejection hurts just the same!
What do you sometimes find most difficult?
Sometimes everything seems clear during calls, but when I start working, lots of questions appear. I think that’s normal at the adaptation stage. I really appreciate the support of Alina, Marta Kostyuk’s advisor, who coordinates the Foundation’s development. She always helps me find answers.
I even joke every week: “I have no questions — until the call ends.”
What inspires you most in working with the Foundation?
The fact that our work already brings tangible results. The Foundation has structure, vision, and real projects. We don’t just talk about the importance of tennis development — we create opportunities for children in Ukraine.
I also want to mention Marta. For me, she’s an example of an athlete who uses her platform for positive change.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the Foundation?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. If you share the Foundation’s values — that’s already a good start. Volunteering here is not only a way to help others, but also a chance to grow your skills, become part of something bigger, and find like-minded people.
I grew up where tennis seemed distant and unattainable. But life turned out differently — my path to tennis runs from Lubny through Britain to the Marta Kostyuk Foundation. GPS would definitely get confused on this route!
Today, I can be part of a team that makes tennis more accessible for children across Ukraine. That inspires me and gives me the strength to move forward.
Join Our Mission
The Marta Kostyuk Foundation is always open to new volunteers, partners, and everyone who wants to support the development of tennis in Ukraine. Together we create more opportunities for young people — and that’s truly worth it.
