North American Croatian youngsters get valuable football experience in Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo: Mary Barisic)
Team North America has once again participated in the 20th Annual Memorijal Vukovarskih Branitelja U14 football tournament which was held in Vukovar, Croatia from April 4-7th.
The youngsters from Team North America had the chance to test their talents against teams from Croatia and the diaspora.
Teams which took part included Lokomotiva, Dinamo, Hajduk, Varaždin, Rijeka, Cibalia, Osijek, Istra 1961, Gorica, Vukovar 1991, Rudeš, Slaven Belupo, and diaspora representations from Austria/Switzerland, Germany/Sweden, and Australia.
(Photo: Mary Barisic)
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Coach Alen Vukobard expressed satisfaction with their efforts.
“We played 5 games in Croatia, including 2 friendlies against NK Osijek and the Croatian diaspora from Germany, and 3 games in the tournament against HNK Hajduk, NK Rudes, and NK Slaven Belupo,” he told us.
(Photo: Mary Barisic)
Despite mixed results, including victories against NK Osijek and the German diaspora team, as well as challenging matches against HNK Hajduk and NK Slaven Belupo, Vukobard highlighted the invaluable experience gained by his players.
(Photo: Mary Barisic)
“This was a new environment for our boys and a great learning opportunity,” he noted. “They had a chance to see where they are at the moment.”
Indeed, the exposure to top-notch Croatian players offered valuable insights for Team North America.
“The door is open for all our boys in Croatia. Some of them have already trained in Croatia clubs like GNK Dinamo, HNK Hajduk and NK Osijek.”
(Photo: Mary Barisic)
Beyond the football pitch, the trip was enriched with cultural experiences, as the team explored historical sites in Vukovar.
(Photo: Mary Barisic)
Coach Vukobard extended his gratitude to all those who made the trip possible. “I would like to thank all our sponsors, parents, the Croatian Football Federation, the citizens of the city of Vukovar and others who are involved in this, and most of all thanks to our young players,” he said, adding that a HNS camp will most likely be held at the end of June for the selection for the 2011 representation.
Special recognition was also given to Savi Sports, the uniform supplier, whose provision of full technical apparel ensured that players and coaches were equipped for success both on and off the field.
(Photo: Mary Barisic)
As Team North America returned home, they carry with them not only cherished memories but also invaluable lessons learned.
The tournament was won by Lokomotiva who beat Cibalia 4-0 in the final.
Results:
Team North America – Nk Osijek 0:2
Team North America – Croatian diaspora Germany 2:1
Team North America – HNK Hajduk 1:5
Team North America – NK Rudes 2:2
Team North America – NK Slaven Belupo 0:3
Team North America
Head Coach: Alen Vukobard (NK Sesvete) Assistant Coaches: Ilko Vidačković (Croatia Norval Soccer Club) and Toni Trogrančić (Croatia Norval Soccer Club) and Hrvoje Perković (NK Sesvete U16)
Follow @turnir.vukovar for up to date info.
