Croatian FA Pilot Programme Launched in Osijek to Develop Future Stars

A football center in the eastern city of Osijek has been chosen for the first pilot project aimed at systematically monitoring the long-term development and selection of young players for Croatia’s national football team….

Earlier this month former Croatian international and Regional instructor for Slavonia, Petar Krpan, hosted Croatian Football Federation Technical Director Romeo Jozak and Chief Instructor Martin Novoselec, and under their scrutiny began a two-day program that brought together 60 young U-11 and U-12 players from the region of Pakrac, Požega, Slavonski Brod and Nova Gradiška. This week talented kids from Donji Miholjac, Valpovo, Belišće, Našice and parts of Osijek, Vinkovac, Županja, Vukovar and Đakovo gathered for a camp.

The young players through these camps will enter the Croatian FA development system and will be monitored through personal records, all with the long-term intention of being selection for Croatian national teams, and the ultimate goal to play for the Croatian senior national team.

“Such gatherings where children get to know each other, connect, share experiences, and train together are of great importance of. This area has always produced top players at a national and European level, therefore, no doubt that one of these children, with proper development, will become someone of interest in the world of football,” said Krpan. (pic: Drago Sopta / HNS )