![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/i-fled-war-to-scotland-and-signed-with-dundee-utd/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AA13RBSd.jpeg&description=A 12-year-old boy whose family fled the war in Ukraine has signed for Dundee United after settling in Scotland. © BBC Stanislav Drabych - known as Stas - has signed a deal with Dundee United Stanislav Drabych, known as Stas, moved with his family to Monifieth in Angus - where his new school quickly learned about his abilities on the pitch.After a tip-off from his head teacher, the club's coaches offered Stas a trial which he completed in September.He told the BBC he would like to repay the Tannadice club by one day helping them win the league. "It's like Christmas Day, I can play football again," he told the BBC. © BBC The 12-year-old was part of the Lviv football school in Ukraine Previously Stas was part of the Lviv academy Rukh - a residential school that provided training and schooling.He had been off the pitch for several months as the conflict with Russia escalated, a hiatus that left him worried about losing touch with the game.He said: "Before I moved from Ukraine, I didn't play for three months. I forgot what football means and how to play football - now I'm happy."If we stay in Scotland I'll play for Dundee United - if they help me I'll help them to win the Scottish league." © BBC Stas (right) with his father, mother and siblings - taken a year ago, just before the war began The 12-year-old left Ukraine with his father, mother and siblings and moved to his aunt's Monifieth home in March.That same month, around 300 people were killed in an attack on a theatre sheltering civilians in the besieged port city of Mariupol.Although Stas said life in Scotland had not been difficult, he still worries about friends that were left behind."I'm scared," he said. "Before the war, the life was happy. "I wasn't very worried about anything but now I'm worried about my friends, worried about shelling and worried they might be killed." Stas said he keeps in touch with his Ukrainian friends online and by phone, but admits it was initially difficult to make friends in Scotland){kind=link}
A 12-year-old boy whose family fled the war in Ukraine has signed for Dundee United after settling in Scotland.
Stanislav Drabych, known as Stas, moved to Monifieth in Angus – where his new school quickly learned about his abilities on the pitch.
After a tip-off from his head teacher, the club’s coaches offered Stas a trial which he completed in September.
He told the BBC he would like to repay the Tannadice club by one day helping them win the league.
“It’s like Christmas Day, I can play football again,” he told the BBC.