A Training Camp in Belgrade, Serbia, was organised for our NSS Year 7 (born 2011) and Year 8 (born 2010) football student-athletes. 28 young footballers (24 outfield players + 4 goalkeepers) spent 6 days in Serbia, for a training camp that included 3 friendly matches against Serbian opponents.
Wednesday 10th May 2023
The group met at the Malta International Airport at 12.30pm. We had a flight to Belgrade at 2.35pm, arriving at 4.30pm. At 5.30pm we arrived at the Hotel in Belgrade. After settling in rooms, the group had its first meeting with the Coaches and Head of Delegation, at the Conference Room. Dinner was served at 7.30pm and the group had some free time before watching the Champions League semi-final between Milan and Inter. All in Rooms with lights off, just after the game.
Thursday 11th May 2023
Early wake up call for the group, 8.30am being the breakfast time. We left the Hotel at 9.30am, heading towards the Ada Sports Training Complex, where both groups had their first training session with their respective coaches. Back to the Hotel for Lunch, and afterwards the group had time to rest in rooms, in preparation for the friendly games late in the afternoon. The group was called an hour and a half before kick-off, and travelling and preparation for the games took place. We travelled to one of the training complexes used by Red Star Belgrade Academy. Both groups played a 9-a-side friendly match vs groups from the Red Star Academy. After the games we headed back to the Hotel and our students were given time for their studies and school work. Dinner was served at 9pm. The group had some free time after Dinner, watching also the Europa League Semi-Final Juventus vs Seville. After the game, lights were off, and everyone went to sleep after a busy day.
Friday 12th May 2023
Another busy day for the group. After breakfast, which was served at 8.30am, the group started preparing for their first training session of the day, at the Ada Sports Training Complex. The morning session was conducted by the Red Star Belgrade Academy coaches, assisted by NSS coaches. Back to the Hotel for lunch and rest. The second session of the day took place in the same complex, early in the afternoon, conducted by a Partizan Belgrade Academy coach, assisted by the NSS coaches. Back to the Hotel where our students had time for Study and Schoolwork, before Dinner at 8.30pm. After a full day like this day, our students went to their rooms to rest, sleep and prepare for the next day.
Saturday 13th May 2023
Usual wake up call and breakfast at 8am. The group left the Hotel afterwards, heading for the friendly games against groups from Partizan Belgrade Academy. Before the games, the group had an opportunity to visit the Partizan Belgrade Stadium. Then we were taken to the Academy dressing rooms, and both groups started their preparation for the friendly matches against a selection from the Partizan Belgrade Academy. After the matches, the group was offered the opportunity to visit the Red Star Belgrade Stadium and Museum. Such a nice experience visiting the “Marakana” and experiencing the history of this great Serbian Club. Back to the Hotel for Lunch, some free time was allowed, and early afternoon we left for the Belgrade City centre. We went around the main streets in the new part of the town Kalemagdan and also visited the Old City. So much cultural information. After that, the group started its way to the Red Star Belgrade Stadium, Rajko Mitic, to watch a Serbian Super Liga match between Red Star Belgrade and Vojvodina. Such an electrifying experience, great to watch. After the game, the group went back to the Hotel and was served Dinner. 10.30pm lights were off and everyone was in his room. Rest was surely needed after such an long and intense day.
Sunday 14th May 2023
Early wake up call and breakfast at 8.30am. At 10am the group was taken to a Shopping Complex in Belgrade, and had 2 hours of free time in the same complex. Back to the Hotel for Lunch and preparation for the third friendly matches for both age groups. We left the Hotel early afternoon as we had an hour and a half trip to Indjija, north of Serbia. Both age groups played against FK Indjija Academy teams. On the way back to the Hotel, the students were given another opportunity to visit a shopping complex nearby the Hotel. Dinner was served at 9pm, and after some free time at the Hotel, lights were off and everyone went back to his room to sleep.
Monday 15th May 2023
Last day of our Training Camp. Wake up call and breakfast at 8.30am. Afterwards, all students had to pack everything and leave their rooms, after a thorough room inspection from the coaches. We left the Hotel at 10.30am and headed towards the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade. Flight back to Malta at 1.05pm, arriving back home at 3pm. Such a good experience for our student-athletes, from a cultural, social and football side.
