Dandenong City set to take youth team to prestigious Donosti Cup in Spain

NPL Victoria club Dandenong City will send a squad of talented youngsters to a prestigious international tournament in Spain to face teams from around the world.

Dandenong City prepares for international tour.

Dandenong City is taking on the world.

The NPL Victoria club will take a squad of talented youngsters to Spain for the prestigious Donosti Cup later this year.

The underage tournament will be held in San Sebastian in July and has seen the likes of Xabi Alonso, Mikel Arteta, Jordi Alba and Jennifer Hermoso take part.

Taking part for the first time in club history, Dandenong City will take part in the under-16s.

City director of football, Ljuban Palinic, said it would be a massive opportunity for the club and players.

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“We’ve got a total of 18 kids we’re taking over for a 14-day tour, the tournament starts on the first of July and involves teams from across the globe,” Palinic said.

“We’ve combined a group of 15, 16 and 17-year-olds – you can have two players over-age – and we’ll compete in the under-16s.

“The objective is to give the kids an opportunity to see what it’s like to play abroad against teams from Japan, Africa and Europe.

“At the same time, it’s a cultural experience, seeing what it’s like in Europe and a lot of them probably haven’t travelled before.

“It’s about creating pathways abroad as well, for children to feel a club in the local area is providing these opportunities.”

Dandenong City is one of the biggest clubs in Victoria, along with cross-town rival Dandenong Thunder, providing an opportunity for players to progress through junior ranks to the NPL level, A-League and potentially beyond.

Hadjuk’s under-21s played NPL finals, while its under-14s 16s featured in the top-flight competition for their ages and the 16s and 18s played in NPL2.

“The journey started about three years ago, the club was looking to move in a new direction and give youth a chance to develop,” Palinic said.

“We’re at 39 teams, there’s 500 juniors at the club, it’s the biggest the club has ever been and we’ve got eight girls teams.

“We’re trying to change the perception of what a club stands for – everyone’s got a spot depending on where you’re at on your development journey.”

City has been hard at work fundraising for the tournament.

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The club has several initiatives and is calling for sponsors.

“We’re doing a lot of fundraising to try and minimise the cost for kids,” Palinic said.

“We’re looking for sponsors, we’re doing fundraising and a ballroom dance, everyone is getting behind it.”

Sponsorship expressions of interest can be found here.