Ground broken on new state-of-the-art Croatian Football Federation camp

by croatiaweek
April 11, 2025
in Sport

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

A major milestone in Croatian football was marked in Velika Gorica with the official opening of the construction site for the Croatian Football Federation’s (HNS) future training camp.

The modern and functional sports complex will feature four football pitches, a small stadium suitable for youth and women’s national team matches, and an administrative building that will serve as the new headquarters for the Federation.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and a delegation from the Government of the Republic of Croatia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Spatial Planning, Construction and State Property Branko Bačić, Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina, Mayor of Velika Gorica Krešimir Ačkar along with local representatives, Zagreb County Prefect Stjepan Kožić and his delegation, as well as HNS President Marijan Kustić, Federation officials, coaching staff, sponsors, and media representatives.

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

“Croatian football has brought immense joy, pride, emotion, success, and international recognition to our country over the past 35 years – arguably more than any other field,” said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

“Thanks to our players, coaches, and everyone involved in football, Croatia is now recognised as a footballing powerhouse. Only Uruguay had similar success in the 1930s. This is a message to young people – many of you will have the chance to succeed.

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

The camp is ideally located next to Franjo Tuđman Airport, in a part of the city that will also see the development of a care home for the elderly – a sign of the government’s commitment to this community.”

“I’ve been fortunate to witness some unforgettable and historic moments in Croatian football during my presidency, including our bronze medal at the World Cup in Qatar,” said HNS President Marijan Kustić.

“But I must say, this is a particularly special and emotional day. Building this camp has been a top strategic priority for the current leadership of HNS, and I’m thrilled that all the groundwork is now complete so we can finally begin construction.

This dream dates back to our independence, and today it becomes reality. This site is not just a construction zone – it’s the foundation of a vision, the most important investment in the future of Croatian football, and a symbol of our shared ambition to remain a world-class footballing nation.

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

Since 1998, Croatia has earned three World Cup medals – only France and Germany can say the same.

For a country of four million, this is an extraordinary achievement, driven by the talent of our players and staff, and the pride, unity, and passion with which we represent our nation.

But to keep dreaming big, we must provide top conditions for future generations – which is why this project is so vital.”

“Today we celebrate a beautiful and long-awaited story. Velika Gorica is set to become the home of Croatian football and will earn its place on the football map of Europe and the world,” said Mayor Krešimir Ačkar.

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

“I believe many young people from across Croatia will fulfil their dreams here and go on to represent our country in the iconic chequered shirt, bringing us the unique joy that only football can.”

“What has long been in preparation has finally seen the light of day,” noted Prefect Stjepan Kožić.

Croatian Football Federation unveils new camp design

(Photo credit: Gradit/HNS)

“This project goes beyond football and sport – it will spark a range of other developments. A major investment like this is sure to inspire other counties. I have no doubt this camp will elevate the quality of Croatian sport on the global stage.”

(Photo credit: Gradit/HNS)

“This is a landmark day for Croatian sport and football,” added Minister Tonči Glavina. “The government has committed €15 million over the next three years to co-fund this project, and when you add the land value of €4.2 million, that’s nearly €20 million – a strong show of support. And we won’t stop here.

(Photo credit: Gradit/HNS)

We’re continuing to invest in sports infrastructure across Croatia – including the new stadium in Maksimir and the renovation of Poljud. This kind of progress wouldn’t be possible without the strong team at the Croatian Football Federation.”

(Photo credit: Gradit/HNS)

Before the ceremonial groundbreaking – led by Prime Minister Plenković, Minister Glavina, Prefect Kožić, Mayor Ačkar, and President Kustić – the site was blessed by Reverend Norbert Ivan Koprivec, Dean of the Velika Gorica-Odra Deanery.