The Croatia U-16 national team has arrived in Suhopolje for a summer camp, and alongside daily training sessions, they will play friendly matches against their peers from Osijek and Slaven Belupo.
The Croatia U-16 national football team arrived in Suhopolje on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in the afternoon. After settling into Janković Castle and a brief rest, about thirty national team players completed their first training session on the main pitch of Park Stadium.
Coach Marijan Budimir did not hide his satisfaction with what he found in Suhopolje. He pointed out that the Croatian Football Federation has been organizing this type of summer camp for over thirty years, and this is the first time they are guests in Suhopolje.
"The first impression is fantastic. We are staying at Janković Castle, which is in the immediate vicinity of the football pitch. The pitch is exceptionally good. The conditions are fantastic, and I am glad we came here," said Budimir, thanking everyone involved in the organization, led by Mayor Goran Doležal.
The coach emphasized the importance of working with young players as the foundation for the senior national team, adding that a psychologist is also involved in the national team setup to help players with any issues.
Among the thirty or so national team players was Niko Nestić, for whom this is his first national team gathering. The young player from Dinamo Zagreb moved from the ranks of Slaven Belupo last season.
"I am proud to have been called up to the national team. This is my first time being called up to a national team selection. Last season, I moved from Slaven Belupo to Dinamo Zagreb. I hope to stay in football for many more seasons and achieve a lot," emphasized Nestić.
Mayor of Suhopolje Municipality Goran Doležal pointed out that this is the first time a national team camp of the Croatian Football Federation is being held at Park Stadium, which is the culmination of a strategy agreed upon with the management of NK Suhopolje over the past four years.
"There is no greater recognition than when a national team comes to your training camp. Until now, national team selections in Suhopolje had only briefly played preparatory or exhibition matches as part of various anniversaries," said Doležal, adding that the renovation of Janković Castle has created a beautiful complex with excellent conditions for such occasions.
The mayor hopes this is not the end but the beginning of a long-term cooperation with the Croatian Football Federation and other national federations, and that they are already planning new projects to further improve the conditions at the sports complex.
The camp of the Croatia U-16 national team will be held in Suhopolje until Monday, August 17. In addition to daily training sessions, the national team players will play two friendly matches on the main pitch of Park Stadium.
On Friday, August 14, they will face their peers from Osijek, and on Sunday, August 16, they will play against their peers from Koprivnica's Slaven Belupo. Both matches start at 6:00 PM and are expected to attract numerous spectators.
While the young Vatreni prepare in Suhopolje, Croatian national team players abroad are achieving notable results. According to a post by the Croatian Football Federation on Twitter, Martin Baturina scored a brilliant goal for Como 1907 in a friendly match against Arsenal on August 12, 2026.
On the same day, Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović joined RC Lens on loan from Benfica. The Croatian Football Federation wished him many goals in his new jersey on Twitter.
