Interview with Ivan Novosel: A Voice of Unity and the Visionary Behind GNK Dinamo’s Football Camp in Melbourne
Photos: Ivan Novosel
What once seemed like a dream is now becoming reality. St Albans Dinamo FC has proudly announced the organization of an exclusive football camp in collaboration with the parent club, GNK Dinamo Zagreb. The camp, set to take place this year, from July 7 to July 11 in Melbourne, is already generating great interest among young players and their parents.
But behind this sports story lies a more personal one – a tale of love for the homeland, unity, and an idea sparked by musician and football enthusiast Ivan Novosel, also known as a member of the group Zaprešić Boys. We spoke with him about how this initiative came to life and its significance for the Croatian community in Australia.
Ivan, how did the idea of organising a GNK Dinamo football camp in Melbourne come about?
This idea came from pure emotions. From my love for Croatia, GNK Dinamo Zagreb and in this case, the Croatian community in Australia whom I had the opportunity to meet on two tours with my band Zaprešić boys. Many of these people have become and will remain my friends for life. And this idea for the most part is respect for them and their emotions towards Croatia, and in this case towards Dinamo Zagreb. The story with the Zaprešić boys taught me how much it means to them and this is one more project in a series of connecting our Croatian community in Australia with their homeland.
What personally inspired you to initiate this collaboration between St Albans Dinamo and GNK Dinamo?
Last year I became the GNK Dinamo members commissioner, and my first goal was to expand membership to Croatians abroad. As I was moving in that direction, the idea was born to somehow unite the two Dinamos in a sporting friendship. The one in Zagreb and the one in St Albans, which were founded and led by our Croatians. As I met them during the tours, I felt their love for Dinamo Zagreb, even their club symbol is the same. My son plays football,he is a goalkeeper and has been a participant in Dinamo camps in Croatia for 2 years. And the idea was born. The next idea is for all members of St Albans Dinamo to also become members of Dinamo Zagreb, and lot more to come.
Idea about the friendship of the two football clubs
What was the first step in realising this idea and how long did it take from the idea to the actual organisation of the camp?
The first step was the presentation of the idea about the friendship of the two football clubs, mutual support, socializing and then organizing a youth camp in Australia. I started a year ago. Now that I am answering your questions, the smile never leaves my face. Personally, apart from my family of course, and the Zaprešić boys group, I consider this project my greatest success in life and I am truly happy and proud.
What were the reactions from both sides – from Australia and from Zagreb – when you proposed this collaboration?
My friends in Australia and Croatia couldn’t believe it at first. But after I made the whole plan, they immediately said that the idea was great. It turned out that Dinamo Zagreb’s goal is to reach out more to its fans abroad and connect through some projects, and this story with the friendship of the two clubs, and the youth camp is exactly that. But the most important thing is that both sides agreed immediately, and I thank them for that. I had no choice but to get to work. First we signed the contract, and then we hosted the vice president of Dinamo St Albans, John Bilos, in Zagreb. He was our guest of GNK Dinamo at the stadium, in the premises of the club and at the match, and on that occasion they gave each other the jerseys of the clubs. And the friendship between the two clubs could begin.
Why do you think this kind of camp is important for the Croatian community in Australia, especially for the youth?
Through the Zaprešić boys tour, I realized how much love the Croatian community in Australia has for Croatia, it really borders on fanaticism. They maintain tradition in their communities and pass on our customs to their children. This camp is just a part of that story, we will bring them the spirit of their homeland, we will bring Dinamo Zagreb as a symbol of Croatianness and the biggest Croatian club to their home. It will certainly be a memory for the youth for a lifetime. Especially because this is the first time that something like this has been organized when we talk about Dinamo.
How significant is it to you personally that GNK Dinamo is coming to Melbourne – given your connection to Croatia and football?
As a Dinamo fan since childhood, as former BBB member with almost 20 years of experience in the stands, who traveled all over Croatia and Europe following Dinamo, this means a lot to me, because with this I am doing what I love and what I believe in. I am helping Dinamo Zagreb, realizing and participating in a project that will make a large number of people happy, especially children. This is where all my energy, love and experience are, even though today I am a businessman with my regular job. My happiness knows no bounds.
‘The goal is at the end of the day and for them to feel the spirit of the homeland…’
What can children expect from this camp – besides football training?
In addition to training with educated and top coaches from the Dinamo football academy, there will also be workshops on various topics related to the game of football. We will work a lot on the field, but we will also have fun, because the goal is not only for children to see and learn how it is done in one of the best football academy in Europe, the goal is at the end of the day and for them to feel the spirit of the homeland, to teach them to enjoy football and sports in general, and to teach them to become better people. That is the motto of the Dinamo Zagreb academy.
How important is it that the camp is run by coaches from the GNK Dinamo Academy? Can you tell us more about them?
Do you see this camp as the beginning of a longer-term cooperation between the clubs and perhaps even more activities in the future?
I think that the Dinamo coaches are exactly what makes this football camp authentic. They are very educated coaches who are still participating in the work of the Dinamo football academy. The Dinamo football academy has a tradition of success and has been among the best in Europe for many years. This camp is definitely just the beginning, and I hope and believe that we will announce the next one after this one is over. Will it be in Melbourne or some other city, we will talk about it after the camp is over. One of the coaches coming is Ivan Kelava, one of the legendary Dinamo Zagreb goalkeepers who played in Australia for Melbourne Victory. Another beautiful story related to the camp.
As a member of Zaprešić Boys, you have already connected Croatians through music – now you do it through sports. How do you see this connection between identity, togetherness and sports?
There is no greater, better and more positive connection between people than sports and music.
What is your message to young people who are thinking about applying to the camp, but perhaps are not sure yet?
I must mention that on the first day of registration, 50% of the camp capacity has already been filled. I hereby invite everyone who wants to apply as soon as possible, because the number is unfortunately limited. Invite them to apply and do not miss the opportunity to become part of history as the first participant of the Dinamo camp in Australia, and I guarantee memories for a lifetime. In addition, they will be left with two sets of jerseys, diplomas and photos from the photo corner as a keepsake. Those who prove to be the best always have the opportunity to be invited or recommended by one of the clubs in Croatia or Dinamo Zagreb itself. Just remember Mark Viduka who played for Dinamo. Dreams are possible, if you believe in them.
And finally – we heard that you are planning to come to the camp in Melbourne in person – will you sing a song with the kids?
That’s right, I would like to thank the organizers and the entire management of the St Albans Dinamo club for supporting my coming to the camp. Also a big thank to GNK Dinamo Zagreb for accepting the idea and supporting it. The day after the last day of the camp,Dinamo St Albans is celebrating its 50th anniversary, it seems like the perfect opportunity to end the camp and celebrate together. I hope and I would like to address everyone with a few words at the end, and if the atmosphere is like that, why not sing a song.
Official page of St Albans Dinamo Football Club NPL Victoria https://www.facebook.com/stalbanssaintsdinamo