Croatia scouts future football stars in North America
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
The Croatian Football Federation (Hrvatski Nogometni Savez, HNS), in partnership with Croatia Juniors and Croatia Cleveland Soccer Club, recently concluded a four-day identification camp aimed at scouting young football talent from the Croatian diaspora across North America.
Held from 12 to 15 June at Mentor High School near Cleveland, Ohio, the HNS camp brought together 117 participants, boys and girls born between 2010 and 2014, from across the United States and Canada.
The initiative seeks to identify talented young players of Croatian heritage, regardless of club affiliation, who could potentially represent Croatia at youth national team levels.
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
The camp was led by Croatia Juniors Director Mario Grgic and supported by HNS senior representatives and professional trainers.
Over the course of four days, players took part in three evaluation sessions, with coaches assessing their skill, understanding of the game and overall potential.
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
The final day featured a closing ceremony, which included photo opportunities, the presentation of diplomas to participants, and a small goals tournament.
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
The atmosphere was one of celebration and pride as families, coaches and the community came together to support the next generation of Croatian footballers.
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
Two special guest speakers provided inspiration to the young athletes. Victoria Safradin from Cleveland shared her journey to the Croatian women’s national team, which she recently joined for crucial European Championship qualifiers.
Victoria Safradin (Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
Adrian Hrvojevic, originally from Chicago, spoke about progressing through Croatia’s youth national teams and now playing at the U19 level for Hajduk Split in Croatia.
Adrian Hrvojevic (Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
The camp concluded with a traditional Croatian community gathering – the Sveti Ante (Saint Anthony) picnic.
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
The event began with Mass, followed by an adult small goals football tournament and a bocce tournament. Guests enjoyed a variety of Croatian dishes including cevapi and čobanac, along with live music and a warm atmosphere.
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
(Photo credit: Steve Mikulin)
The success of the camp highlights the continued strength and passion of the Croatian football community abroad and reflects HNS’s commitment to nurturing talent within the diaspora.
