The best international children's football tournaments in the Balkan countries in 2024

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As always, we have compiled a selection of the most prestigious and professional international children's football tournaments expected in 2024. This article will narrow our focus a bit and highlight competitions in the Balkan countries, which have become particularly popular according to our site visitors.

The photo was taking from website planet-of-sport_ru

We begin our overview from ancient Greece.

1. Loutraki Easter Soccer Cup

The traditional Easter Football Cup in Loutraki offers an excellent opportunity to spend a holiday weekend and celebrate Easter in a seaside resort town in Greece. First held in 2012, the competion attracted both amateur and professional football clubs from countries including Ukraine, Estonia, Turkey, the Netherlands, and of course, Greece.

The event will take place at the Sport Camp sports facility. During their stay, all participants will have free access to the swimming pool and gym, as well as tennis and beach volleyball courts. Guests can enjoy the natural surroundings, with birds song, the scent of citrus and olive trees, and mineral water straight from the tap. Nearby, you'll find the world-famous Corinth Canal, which cuts through the mainland to connect the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

2.  Salonica Soccer Cup

This excellent Greek international tournament will be held from April, 29th to May, 1st in Thessaloniki, located on the shores of the Aegean Sea. The competition will showcase the sporting talents of both boys' and girls' teams. The natural grass pitches are conveniently located next to the hotel where all participants will be accommodated.

In their free time, players can visit one of the largest European water parks, Water Land, and take an exciting trip to the city's landmark, the White Tower, which has a very interesting and rich history.

3. Balkan International Cup

The Balkan International Cup will also held in Thessaloniki. Participants will be accommodated in a comfortable four-star hotel with full board. The sports complex features six natural grass pitches where the intense match battles will unfold. In previous years, teams from the USA, Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, and Cyprus have participated.

The photo was taking from website eurotournaments_com

In Thessaloniki, a must-visit is the Olympic Museum, where you can find equipment, prizes, and even personal belongings of the first Olympic athletes that have survived to this day.

Now, it's time to head to the resorts in Bulgaria!

4. Junior's Cup 

The tournament will run from 15th, July to 2nd of August for various age groups from B7 to B16 in the resort towns of Albena and Kranevo. First organised in 2013, the Junior’s Cup quickly attracted numerous teams from prestigious football academies across Europe.

In addition to the football matches, participants will be able to swim in the sea and sunbathe on the country's longest beach, as well as visit the "Pearl of Bulgaria" - the Baltata Nature Reserve. In this scenic place, children can see rare species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book.

5. Olympia Easter Cup

Another tournament from the Bulgarian resort of Albena: during the Easter celebrations, the Olympia Easter Cup is held, one of the most famous events in Bulgaria for international children's football. Year after year, it attracts boys and girls aged from 11 to 17, as well as women’s teams without age limits. The venue boasts a large football complex with six natural and one artificial pitch, as well as indoor facilities. A pleasant bonus for all participants are gifts from the organisers.

6. South Black Sea Cup

The competition will be organised from 19th to 24th of August, offering players sunny and warm weather. Matches for boys (B8 - B14) and girls (G13 - G15) will take place on natural pitches in the modern complex of the Bulgarian town of Obzor. The South Black Sea Cup in 2023 gathered 55 teams from Asia and Europe, and the games in 2024 promise to be even more exciting and captivating. Participants will stay in a comfortable hotel near the sea.

Next, we move to Serbia!

7. Chin Chin Spring Cup

The Chin Chin Spring Cup, held in the well-known Serbian resort of Zlatibor since 2012, attracts a large number of popular clubs from countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovenia.

Among the famous football clubs, some of the best European academies regularly participate, including Red Star and Partizan. In their free time, teams can visit the village of Mokra Gora and ride on the famous Šargan Eight railway, as well as admire the Serbian beauty in Tara National Park.

8. Dragan Mance Cup

This tournament, named after the famous Yugoslav footballer Dragan Mance, was a colossal success last year! It attracted about 260 teams from various age groups across Eastern Europe. Notable teams included GAK Graz, Dinamo Bucharest, Olimpija Ljubljana, and Hertha Berlin, among others. The Dragan Mance Cup in 2024 will take place from 14th to 16th of June for boys’ categories B8, B9, B10, B11 and B12.

For leisure, take a stroll through the historical centre and be sure to visit the Belgrade Fortress – one of the most popular places. If you want to relax, there's no better place than the Ada Ciganlija peninsula. Here, you can enjoy the beach, swim in the lake, and have a picnic.

9. Crikvenica Cup

It’s no coincidence that Crikvenica in Croatia is called a city of sport. Located on the Adriatic coast, it attracts Croatian, Hungarian, German, and many other strong clubs. The tournament started in 2014 and initially drew not only popular local football clubs but also teams from across Central Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. The competitions will be arranged in early June. Boys and girls of various age categories will participate. For players in B10, B11, B12, B13, G11, and G15, matches will be played on natural fields, while others will play on artificial turf.

At the beach, there are sports courts, play centres, various musical and other cultural events, and you can book boat tours to neighbouring islands. There’s certainly no chance of getting bored here!

10. Ilinden Cup

The Macedonian tournament Ilinden Cup was first launched in 2023 by the Grozdanoski football school. Even then, it attracted top foreign clubs such as Partizan, Vardar Skopje, RSC Anderlecht, and many others. The competition has not yet gained widespread fame, but many well-known teams have already responded to the event scheduled for September 2024. The tournament will take place in boys’ categories from B8 to B13, with games played on natural grass.

For walks and relaxation, the best place to go is the heart of Skopje – its centre. The city has lived through several empires, and now you can admire the beautiful architecture, visit Macedonian Square, forts, and cathedrals, and enjoy dishes of the national cuisine in a cosy cafe or restaurant: there are plenty in the city.

We have endeavoured to introduce you to the most interesting football competitions taking place on the Balkan Peninsula, which are worth your attention. On our website, you can find even more information about other equally interesting tournaments this year. To book participation in any of them, simply send an application and the organiser will receive it instantly. All events on our site have accurate descriptions of participation rules, authentic prices, and using our platform is absolutely free. If you want to list your tournament with us or disagree with our ratings, please contact us via the feedback form. Welcome!