Croatia Bound

By Kelly Sharp

Richard Klein(white shorts) training at Dinamo Zagreb Youth Academy

They were six weeks last summer he will never forget. Fifteen year-old Richard Klein of Prince George followed his passion for soccer to Europe, training at the prestigious Dinamo Zagreb youth academy, the school for Croatia’s soccer elite.

A former Prince George youth soccer instructor, opened the door for the talented Klein to learn from the highly skilled Europeans. Romeo Jozak, who returned to his home country to work for Dinamo Zagreb, was well aware of the soccer potential of Richard Klein. That potential and Jozak’s influence earned the Prince George teenager an invitation to a summer of soccer immersion in Zagreb Croatia.

Training with players a year older than himself, the Prince George mid-fielder was like a sponge absorbing techniques and drills with the elite group of athletes. His very first workout on Croatian soil set the tone for six weeks of soccer.

“I gave it my all,” said Richard Klein, the intensity, the game was so fast.”

Working alongside 7 players on the Croatia U-16 National soccer team did not exactly slow the pace during the 2 a day sessions.

Learning the team game of soccer took on a different meaning for the Prince George athlete.

“Instead of holding onto the ball too much, they kept their touches to the minimum, they always played as a team,” he said.

Richard, who is in grade 10 at D.P. Todd  credits Romeo Jozak for his invaluable input while teaching soccer in Prince George. The foundation had been built to help Klein reach a new level on the soccer pitch.

The people in the know about soccer skills say Richard Klein already demonstrates the quality elusive to most soccer players his age- the ability to read the play and anticipate the next move before the ball arrives on his foot.

I guess it should be no surprise that Richard has already received an invitation to return to Zagreb next summer.

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