BREAKING: The second annual Matija Šarkić Memorial Tournament is set to take place on April 3 and 4, 2026, at the FSCG training camp in Montenegro. This prestigious youth tournament, dedicated to the late Montenegrin goalkeeper, will feature top teams including Wolverhampton, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Antwerp, Inter Milan, and Partizan, alongside national teams from Montenegro and Slovenia.
Organizers are pulling out all the stops to honor Matija Šarkić, who tragically passed away on June 15, 2022. Momir Đurđevac, the general secretary of FSCG, emphasized the commitment to ensuring that the tournament reflects the legacy of Šarkić, who made significant contributions to Montenegrin football.
“This tournament will be a true celebration of youth football, bringing together 146 young players from five countries,” said Đurđevac. “We want to honor Matija in the best way possible, and the response from clubs has been overwhelming.”
The tournament will host eight teams of players under 14 years old. Montenegro will compete in a group with Antwerp, Aston Villa, and Tottenham, while the other group features Inter Milan, Wolverhampton, Partizan, and Slovenia. The opening match will see Antwerp face Montenegro, marking a significant moment for both teams.
“The impressive list of participants shows the respect clubs have for Matija and the enthusiasm of his father,” added Đurđevac. The first edition of the tournament was held in Brussels, where it was organized on short notice, but this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.
Bojan Šarkić, Matija’s father, expressed gratitude towards the FSCG for their support and commitment to his son’s memory. “Matija wore the Montenegrin jersey with pride and represented our country with honor,” he said. “This tournament is a testament to his legacy.”
Reflecting on the heartfelt gesture from the Slovenian national team, who wore black armbands during a match shortly after Matija’s passing, Bojan stated, “That moment will be cherished forever and deserves recognition.”
In line with UEFA’s grassroots strategy, the tournament will follow strict guidelines to promote developmental football. Teams will play three matches each day, with two 20-minute halves featuring rolling substitutions. This format aims to enhance player experience and development.
As the tournament approaches, excitement builds in the football community. “We are determined to make this the strongest under-14 tournament in Montenegro, potentially the most competitive in Europe,” emphasized Prentić, the grassroots manager at FSCG.
With the tournament just around the corner, fans and football enthusiasts are eager to witness the next generation of talent pay tribute to a remarkable athlete and individual. Be sure to mark your calendars for this unforgettable event.
