Croatia to train at St Andrews

Monday 2 March 2020

University of St Andrews Sports Centre

Croatia is the latest world-class football team to take advantage of the University of St Andrews’ in-demand sports facilities.

The national squad will be hosted by the University’s Performance Centre during the UEFA Football Championships which take place this summer.

Euro 2020, which will begin in June, will take place in 12 cities in 12 UEFA countries, including Glasgow and London, to mark the tournament’s 60th anniversary. Croatia, 2018 FIFA World Cup silver medallists, will play two of their group matches against England andthe Czech Republic at Wembley and Hampden Park. They will play a third group game at Hampden against either Scotland, Norway, Serbia or Israel.

St Andrews will act as base camp for the team, who will stay at the Fairmont Hotel in the town while using the University’s sport facilities.

The Croatian team includes Real Madrid star Luka Modrić, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitić and Chelsea’s Mateo Kovačić. The President of the Croatia Football Federation is legendary former player Davor Šuker.

Sports facilities at the University are regarded as among the best in the country and have previously attracted teams such as FC Barcelona, Manchester United FC, Manchester City FC and Everton FC.

As well as professional quality grass pitches, the University’s sports centre offers a dedicated strength and conditioning suite, a full-size floodlit 3G synthetic pitch, rehab facilities and conference facilities suitable for video analysis and squad meetings.

Stephen Stewart, Director of Sport at the University, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the Croatian National Team at the University’s Performance Centre this summer during their Euro 2020 campaign.

“The Department of Sport has been hosting professional clubs and international squads for more than 15 years and we are delighted that the Croatian Football Federation has chosen us as the location for their base camp. St Andrews is a truly unique destination, and one that we believe differentiates us from any other training venue in the country.”

Croatian Football Federation President, Davor Šuker, said: “We wanted to provide the Croatia squad with the best possible conditions during EURO 2020.

“Therefore, we have selected St Andrews. I am convinced that this is the best solution for our squad.”


Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office.

Category Sport

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