ALL-SERBIAN CUP TO BRING YOUTH FOOTBALL TEAMS FROM ACROSS EUROPE TO BANJA LUKA

BANJA LUKA – The city of Banja Luka will host the inaugural All-Serbian Cup (Svesrpski kup) from September 4 to 6, bringing together young football talents from across Europe, the region, and the Serbian diaspora.

A total of 16 teams in each of two age categories – boys born in 2015 and 2017 – will compete in what organizers describe as a unique blend of sport, culture, and community.

Speaking at the tournament announcement, Organizing Committee President Srđan Kevac emphasized that the event is intended to be much more than a football competition

“It is a great honor and responsibility to announce that Banja Luka will host the All-Serbian Cup. Our goal is not only to organize a football tournament but also to help young participants connect with their shared cultural heritage and values. We want Banja Luka to feel like a second home to every child who comes here,” Kevac said.

According to organizers, teams will arrive from Republika Srpska, neighboring countries, various European nations, and Serbian communities around the world. The tournament is being supported by the Government of Serbia, the Government of Vojvodina, and the Office of the President of Republika Srpska.

Kevac noted that the event aims to strengthen ties among young people while promoting friendship, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange beyond administrative borders.

Support for the tournament was also expressed by Aleksandar Đedovac, Director of the Fund for Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Cooperation with Serbs in the Region.

“Our institution has long been dedicated to preserving the traditions and customs of the Serbian people. The idea of organizing sports gatherings emerged several years ago, but this project has exceeded all expectations. We are particularly pleased that teams from the diaspora have shown interest in participating. It is an honor to be part of an event that brings together children from different countries and backgrounds,” Đedovac said.

Organizers expect strong competition and high-quality football throughout the three-day event.

Dražen Vasiljević, technical organizer of the tournament and founder of the Ačko Football School, highlighted the overwhelming interest shown by clubs.

“Together with Radomir Popović, the Ačko Football School, and FK Željezničar Sport Team, we accepted the challenge of organizing this tournament. We will host 16 teams in each category. The 2015 generation will compete in an 8+1 format, while the 2017 generation will play 6+1 matches. All games will be held at the Željezničar Stadium in Banja Luka,” Vasiljević explained.

He confirmed the participation of Serbia Munich, a club representing the Serbian community in Germany, and revealed that organizers are in talks with a team from Russia that could become one of the tournament’s special guests.

In addition to clubs from Republika Srpska and the wider region, teams from Romania, Hungary, Montenegro, and several other countries are expected to take part.

With dozens of teams, hundreds of young players, and international participation, the inaugural All-Serbian Cup is set to become one of the largest youth football events in the region, positioning Banja Luka as an important destination for grassroots football and international youth sports gatherings.