What do you get when you mix together an incredible work ethic, a selfless team, a terrific model and a committed Croatian community? An unbelievable Croatian Soccer Tournament.
The Croatian spirit was truly alive and evident over the tournament weekend as the Adelaide Croatia Soccer Club, the Croatian Sports Centre and Adelaide Croatia Vukovi united to host a well organised and fantastic Croatian soccer tournament. It was apparent that an entire Croatian community; young and old, worked together to make the tournament a huge success on and off the field. The tournament committee, led by John Stevanja and closely supported by Ivica Jurkovic, President of Adelaide Croatia Soccer Club, Zeljko Kuzman, and President of the Croatian Sports Centre, Branko Suica, Gordana Smoljan and Cynthia Smoljan should be commended on a well prepared and organised tournament. Many clubs and supporters have labeled the tournament as the “best ever”.
The Croatian Soccer Federation's Code of Behaviour was introduced for the first time this year and were proud that clubs and supporters alike were on their best behaviour at all times, but still had lots of fun throughout the tournament. A special mention and congratulations must go to Wednesday Knights, the first recipients of the Team Spirit Award. The award, which all clubs and the Croatian Soccer Federation Board of Directors voted on a team who displayed team spirit on and off the field, sportsmanship and friendship during the tournament. After this weekend all teams proved that they too are true recipients of the Croatian Team Spirit Award.
2010 takes the Croatian tournament across the ocean for the first time ever to our sister club Auckland Croatia . We look forward to working closely with Auckland Croatia over the next year. The tournament directors have ensured us that all the successful and proven aspects of previous tournaments will be featured, but will be enhanced with unique local flavours!
Auckland Croatia 2010…. it's time!
The Croatian Soccer Federation of Australia and New Zealand held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday October 2nd 2009 at the Adelaide Croatian Soccer Tournament.
The current Board of Directors were re-elected unanimously by the member clubs present for another twelve months. The Croatian Soccer Federation (CSF) will be once again be led by President Ivan Vuletic, Vice President Jure Marinac and Secretary Stela Krivicic. Josip Zilic, Alan Pecotic, Tony Dorotic and Steven Skornjak will continue to make up the rest of the team.
The Board of Directors shared good news with members, life member Sydney United had finally paid off their outstanding debts from the 2006 Croatian soccer tournament. The issue of Canberra Deakin's inappropriate behaviour which arose at the Geelong tournament was discussed at length however still remains unresolved. The CSF implemented a new Code of Behaviour for teams and supporters at this year's tournament to try and eliminate unacceptable behaviour. The Code of Behaviour was warmly welcomed and taken on board by all and for the first in a very long time the tournament had a friendly, family atmosphere to it. The Team Spirit which was also introduced this year added another element to the ‘positive play' aspect we have being trying to achieve at tournaments.
Another item on the agenda was the hosting of future soccer tournaments. After a lengthy discussion took place, it was decided that a two year notification of hosting a tournament would be allowed. This would encourage clubs to announce their intentions of hosting a tournament in advance if they wish to, making other member clubs aware of forthcoming bids.
It is extremely important that all CSF members attend our AGM so that they are aware of any changes which are made during the year, decisions that made and of course to voice their opinions and concerns. The CSF encourages our members to be more involved in the decision making process of the CSF, however clubs need to attend meetings so that we can hear their voices. To continue to listen to not only our members, but our supporters as well, our website www.auscrosoccer.com.au will shortly feature a new feedback section where comments, suggestions etc can be entered in regards to the soccer tournaments. Our members have also asked us for continuous updates and our website will feature this as well.
The selection of who will hot the 2010 tournament was a perfect example of how the CSF listens to its members. Members who attended the AGM voted where they would like the tournament to be held next year, after listening to Prospect Knights, King Tomislav and Auckland Croatia 's bids. It was also important to us to find out where our supporters would like the next tournament and why. It was a very difficult decision for us, as each bid was worthy of holding next year's tournament. This tournament marks a special occasion, as it will be the first time the tournament heads overseas. We have already started to work with Auckland Croatia and will keep our members and supporters updated via our website.
Congratulations to Div 1 Champions Adelaide Croatia, Div 2 Champions Auckland Croatia, Womens Champions North Fremantle, Team Spirit Winners Wednesday Knights and Miss Croatia Australia Marina Kasalo – St Albans Dinamo, Miss Croatia Australia Runner up Marina Sekulic - Brisbane Croatia and Miss Congeniality Angela Lovrinov Adelaide Croatia. A heartfelt thank you to the warm and inviting hospitality of the Adelaide Croatian Community especially the Croatian Sports Centre and the Adelaide Croatia Soccer Club. You have achieved a great result and everyone we dealt with was delighted with the way you ran the tournament and the way you welcomed them to your home. A big thank you to all the clubs who attended and participated in the spirit of the game we hope you continue to be terrific ambassadors of your clubs and communities as well as proud members of the Croatian Soccer Federation of Australia and N.Z. For results from matches please click on the results 2009 link to show you the scores throughout the weekend.
Lastly not only would we like to thank our members, officials and supporters who support the biggest Croatian event of the year but also the wider Croatian Community, especially organisations such as AHD Geelong, the Croatian Sports Centre Adelaide, AHD Melbourne, the Cro Express Newspaper, and Vjesnik newspapers who without any hesitation support us. We feel honoured and privileged that our member base not only includes soccer clubs from around Australia and New Zealand, but many organisations from around the country.
Thank you, Savez.
_______________________________________________________________
29/09/09 - Thank you all for your patience, the time has finally come to release the fixtures for the 2009 Croatian Soccer Tournament of Australia and N.Z.
All the teams have registered and we have a total of 39 officially registered teams. Our host Adelaide Croatia is eagerly awaiting our arrival and from all reports we are in for a treat. Our hosts have gone to great lengths to include everyone including the kids and the ladies with appropriate functions for all. The Division 1 Groups this year include Dandenong City, Gwelup Croatia, Adelaide Croatia and St Albans Dinamo in one group and North Geelong Croatia, Hurstville Zagreb, O'Connor Knights and Fremantle Croatia in the other group. In a treat fro soccer enthusiasts it all begins on a Thursday night this year. Under 13s will start the night off at 6pm followed by Division 2 action between Adelaide Croatia Vukovi vs Gwelup Croatia 2nds and then followed by Adelaide Croatia vs Gwelup Croatia. Another initiative this year is the Team Spirit trophy, this is to encourage clubs to enjoy and participate in everything to do with the tournament. The Croatian Soccer Federation of Aus and N.Z will be looking for teams who lead by example and rewarding them with the Inaugural Team Spirit Cup.
Remember to come along to the Croatian Sports Centre on Thursday, Adelaide Croatia and the Croatian Sports Centre will be putting on a beautiful food and beverage service throughout the day and night, come along with your team and reacquaint yourself with some old friends whilst registering your team and finalising your accounts.
We look forward to seeing you in Adelaide.
Thank you, The Croatian Soccer Federation of Australia and New Zealand.
CLICK TO VIEW the fixtures for the 2009 Croatian Soccer Tournament of Australia and N.Z.
_______________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE
Croatian Soccer Federation of Australia & New Zealand
Gledaj Kol'ko Nas Ima!
The Croatian Soccer Federation of Australia & New Zealand has released their first t-shirt which will be sold during the Adelaide Croatian Soccer Tournament in October this year.
The idea came into fruition after a discussion took place during a Board Meeting of Directors discussing how many members the Croatian Soccer Federation has and the fact that each year the tournament just gets bigger and better.
Jure Marinac, Vice President of the Croatian Soccer Federation suggested that we acknowledge our members, especially as a majority of them travel each year, across Australia (paying for their own expenses) to be apart of the biggest event on the Australian Croatian calendar. Jure came up with the idea of the t-shirt and adding the ever popular phrase, gledaj kol'ko nas ima, just seem to make sense!
We must acknowledge Dane Dugandzic for the fantastic design, and for putting up with us! Dane has worked tirelessly over the last few months with the Croatian Soccer Federation on a voluntary basis!
The t-shirt shows the logos of most of our members, unfortunately the member logos which are missing were not supplied by the clubs. The 74 on the front of the t-shirt signifies the first year the Croatian Soccer Tournament was held (1974) and the AHD Melbourne logo on the sleeve signifies the Home of the Savez.
A limited number of men's, ladies and children's t-shirts will be sold during the Adelaide Croatian Soccer Tournament by the beautiful Miss Croatia Australia Entrants, the cost of the tshirts are $35 for adults and $30 for children sizes.
If you would like to pre-order a t-shirt please contact:
Jure Marinac 0417 300 320 jure@nrgprojects.com.au
Stela Krivicic 0416 050 304 stela.krivicic@cbre.com.au
CLICK HERE to view the designs.
__________________________________________________
35th AUSTRALIAN CROATIAN SOCCER TOURNAMENT "ADELAIDE 2009"
There are only 6 weeks to go and the excitement is building and teams are preparing for the 35th AUSTRALIAN CROATIAN SOCCER TOURNAMENT in ADELAIDE.
The hosts will have their work cut out for them as we are expecting 42 teams to compete in this year's event. The reigning champions St Albans Dinamo have registered their first and reserve teams as well as an Under 13s team, which will play in a mini Croatian Soccer Tournament involving other Croatian Under 13 teams. The Board of Directors now has the demanding task of grouping the teams into Division 1 and Division 2 as well as the ever-growing female teams.
In recent weeks we have had many enquiries in regards to “social / pub” teams entering the Croatian Soccer Tournaments. At the Croatian Soccer Federation's Annual General Meeting which was held in Perth in 2007, members voted that a stop be put in place for “pub / social” teams to register in the annual Croatian Soccer Tournament. Members felt that the quality of clubs should override the quantity of teams registered to play, and that it was important that we put the focus back onto quality Croatian soccer being played at Croatian Soccer tournaments. Since the Perth Croatian Soccer Tournament, the Croatian Soccer Federation has not accepted any “pub / social” teams.
New teams can register to become members of the Croatian Soccer Federation and therefore participate in Croatian Soccer tournaments. In order for new Croatian backed Clubs currently playing in a league in their state / territory to become a member of the Croatian Soccer Federation, clubs will need to comply with the rules surrounding membership application which are outlined in our Constitution. New teams can only compete as an “Applicant” Member and not a full member.
Accordingly, the Croatian Soccer Federation will establish the terms and conditions upon which it elects to allow new teams to compete in the Tournament as an "Applicant" Member, (as opposed to a Full Member). Part of the criteria of securing membership includes details such as player lists, registration numbers, the league the club is currently playing in, along with two Croatian Soccer Federation's Full Members signing a document stating that they are affiliated with their Club. There are fees (yearly membership and player insurance) also involved in the application.
On another note, registration for hosting the 2010 Croatian Soccer Tournament is open. Clubs have the opportunity to host a Croatian Soccer Tournament by completing an application form and submitting it to the Secretary of the Croatian Soccer Federation. Once submitted, clubs will be notified in relation to their application. For further information on hosting a Croatian Soccer Tournament, please contact the secretary of the Croatian Soccer Federation, Stela Krivicic on 0416 050 304 or email Stela.Krivicic@cbre.com.au
Regards,
Directors
Croatian Soccer Federation of Australia and New Zealand.
_______________________________________________________________
34th AUSTRALIAN CROATIAN SOCCER TOURNAMENT "GEELONG 2008" PREVIEW
Josip Loncaric (courtesy of www.croatianherald.com)
2 OCT 08 - THIS YEAR'S edition of the annual Australian Croatian Soccer Tournament, which will be held in Geelong this weekend, promises to create some of the most mouthwatering contests between some of the countries greatest Croatian backed clubs.
Divided into two divisions for Men and one Women's division, the North Geelong Warriors - in conjunction with the governing body, the Croatian Soccer Association of Australia and New Zealand - have managed to create a competition that should appeal to all levels of footballers and supporters alike.
In the Division One pool, two teams of five teams will face-off in a round robin format, from which two teams will move into the semi finals.
Group A seems the most even of all groups, with South Australian side Adelaide Croatia, ACT champions Canberra Deakin, host side North Geelong Warriors and fellow Victorian sides St. Albans Saints and the Melbourne Knights Under 21s.
The junior Knights were a last minute replacement for the understrength Glenorchy Knights who are travelling to the mainland on an end of season trip and have declined the offer to play in the cut-throat Division One competition.
This will allow some of the Melbourne Knights' talented crop of up and coming youngsters some valuable playing experience against quality opposition and the chance to play against fully grown men, something which is sure to aid their development.
On the other side of the draw, last year's beaten finalists Western Australia's Fremantle Croatia, Victorian outfit Hajduk Chelsea, superpower Melbourne Knights, the ACT's O'Connor Knights and Sydney side Zagreb Hurstville will all be vying for a place in the semi finals of Group B.
Group A seems a difficult one to predict, with all five of the sides capable of progressing to the next round. Rumours persisting that Adelaide Croatia and Canberra Deakin will both be fielding weakened side's means that hosts North Geelong and fellow Victorians St. Albans Dinamo look the most likely to progress, but watch out for the Glenorchy Knights as a potential dark horse for the tournament.
Group B seems much more straightforward, with the Melbourne Knights clear favourites to not only top their group, but also to win the tournament. The disappointment of losing the Victorian Premier League Grand Final will no doubt give the Knights the impetus to add a trophy to their
2008 season.
Of the remaining sides, it is expected that the O'Connor Knights and Zagreb Hurstville will be competitive, whilst Chelsea Hajduk remain a threat. Fremantle Croatia are somewhat of an unknown quantity and may surprise the other side's in the group.
Whichever way you look at it, the tournament will be full of surprises, fierce contests and emerging stars.
Let the games begin!
Sydney United pulls out of this year's Croatian tournament in Geelong
SYDNEY (January 28, 2008) - Sydney United's Board of Directors have made the unceremoniously premature decision to not participate in this year's Australian Croatian Soccer Tournament, which will be held on the first weekend in October in Geelong .
The tournament hosts, North Geelong Croatia (Warriors), last week sent out a welcoming email letter to all member clubs of the Croatian Soccer Federation of Australia notifying them of the date of the tournament and the intentions of the organising committee to keep the clubs posted of the latest news concerning the tournament.
Within hours, North received a reply from United advising the hosts that the one time National Soccer League giants would not be able to attend the 34th staging of the annual tournament later this year.
In the short letter, United wished North all the success in the tournament and thanked the 2008 hosts for the invitation.
It's believed the seemingly premature decision to decline the invitation is due to United's perceived on-going financial problems.
The main reason for United not sending a team to last year's inaugural Croatian World Club Championships in Zagreb , even though it had qualified by virtue of its triumph at the 2006 Australian Croatian Soccer Tournament in Sydney , was due to financial difficulties.
It is a known fact that the Edensor Park club has struggled ever since its light towers were vandalised by local Serb (Bonnyrigg White Eagles) supporters causing thousands of dollars of damage.
United's coffers weren't aided by the team's poor on-field performances last season, which - combined with several instances of unseasonally monsoonal weather conditions - resulted in attendances at some games barely reaching 300 patrons.