Who

The Croatian Football Federation (Hrvatski Nogometni Savez, HNS) is seeking both boys and girls players of the Croatian diaspora born 2010 - 2014, and regardless of club affiliation, with the quality to represent Croatia at youth level.

What

In collaboration with Croatia Cleveland Soccer Club, HNS senior representatives and trainers will conduct a 4-day talent identification camp to evaluate diaspora players who are eligible to represent Croatia.

The camp will consist of three evaluation/identification sessions, followed by a final day which includes a closing ceremony with photos and presentation of diplomas, a picnic, and a small-goals tournament.

Healthy snacks and Gatorade will be provided for the duration of the camp.

Where

Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Mentor High School (6477 Center St, Mentor OH 44060)

The American-Croatian Lodge (34900 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake OH 44095)

When

Thursday, June 12 & Friday, June13: 5:00 - 9:00 PM (Mentor HS)

Saturday, June 14: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Mentor HS)

Sunday, June 15: 9:00 - 11:00 AM (American-Croatian Lodge)

Why

Apart from growing the game and creating opportunities for players to play abroad, the goal is to provide Croatian players throughout North America the opportunity for their talents to be showcased.

According to HNS President Marijan Kustic, “We are aware that there is great potential in the diaspora. I am glad that many of our young players, with their decisions to play for Croatia, have confirmed how strong the attachment to the Croatian national team is in our families abroad. In this context, with such camps we want to further strengthen this segment of activity because we are a small country and we have to successfully find talent, be it in Croatia or abroad.”

For photos from previous editions of the camp, please click here. Check back for features of players who have been called up to Croatia’s youth national teams and professional academies as a result of the ID camp.