In addition to the meeting held at the HNS headquarters, he also visited Cirkovljan, where he attended a demonstration training session involving around 15 girls aged 5 to 8.

The head of the center, Mario Horvat, hosted John, Zagreb women’s football center instructor Hellenna Hercigonja Moulton, and grassroots manager Marieta Puharić.

During the meetings, topics discussed included the role of the media, monitoring participant registration at training sessions, the project’s impact on women’s football in the country, and the development pathway of players in women’s clubs after participating in the Playmakers program.

The Croatian Football Federation has been implementing the UEFA Playmakers program since 2021, and Cirkovljan is one of the newest centers to join the program, having done so in autumn 2025.

UEFA Playmakers is a unique football program for girls aged 5 to 8. Training sessions within the program follow the storylines of Disney hits, giving girls the opportunity to embody their favorite characters while learning fundamental football skills. Applications can be submitted HERE.