Istria is known for its natural beauty, culture, and gastronomy, but, like the rest of Croatia, also for its passion for football. The region hosts numerous football events that attract professionals and amateurs, as well as famous guests from the world of football. We bring you interesting facts that connect Istria and football: how Istria became a favorite destination for winter training of footballers, what the Bayern legends did at the Legends Workshop in collaboration with Paulaner in Rovinj and Umag, and how the cooperation between the Istria County Tourist Board and Bayern is developing.
Winter training of footballers in Rovinj
Rovinj is an established base for the Croatian Football Federation, the umbrella organization of Croatian football. The Croatian Football Federation has been organizing the training camp for the Croatian national football team in Rovinj for many years, where the Vatreni prepare for major competitions. In addition, Rovinj is a favorite destination for winter training for many other football teams from Croatia and abroad.
From January 1 to April 20, 2023, as many as 95 football teams from 7 European countries (Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary) were in winter training in Rovinj, including our top league teams NK Dinamo Zagreb, NK Osijek, NK Šibenik, and NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. There was an increase of 13% in the number of overnight stays and 8% in revenue from accommodation for football teams compared to 2022.
Rovinj offers top-notch football infrastructure and services for footballers. A total of 6 football fields with accompanying facilities are available, two of which carry the special international designation “FIFA Recommended.” For playing friendly or competitive matches in front of an audience, there is a field with stands that accommodate 1,300 spectators. Football teams can choose from various accommodation and meal packages at Maistra Hospitality Group hotels, which offer all the necessary facilities for recovery and relaxation after training.
The quality of services provided to football clubs by Maistra is at the highest level. Footballers can enjoy comfortable accommodation with views of the sea or park, special menus tailored to their needs, wellness and spa centers with pools and saunas, fitness centers with modern equipment, and various sports and entertainment facilities.
Paulaner Legends Workshop in Rovinj
One of the interesting events taking place these days in Rovinj is the Paulaner FCBM Legends Workshop. This working meeting brought together the leadership of the Bavarian giant of world renown, FC Bayern München, and its sponsors, among which Paulaner stands out as the main partner of FCBM Legends. FCBM Legends is a special team made up of former Bayern players who have left a deep mark in the history of the club and football in general.
