2021-2022 Season Overview

This was the year Nine (9) Americans signed Pro Contracts

The 2021-2022 season began earlier than usual, kicking off in June. Many of our players who had trained in Serbia and Colombia the previous season returned to Belgrade to prepare for the summer transfer window in July. We relocated our training base to the former 2nd Division club Obilić facilities in Belgrade's heart. Here, we continued to focus on player development and strengthened our ties by competing with other Serbian professional academies.

In July, several of our players were given opportunities to trial in Sweden through our network of Serbian agents. Six players went—three trialed for A.I.K. Stockholm's U19 Pro Academy (1st Division), while the other three, older players, were given opportunities with Vasalund's 2nd Division professional team. Meanwhile, the rest of our squad continued training in Belgrade through October. At that point, we relocated to Aranđelovac, in the mountainous region outside Belgrade. The excellent facilities and access to high-level competition nationwide allowed us to sharpen our focus on player development.

In November, we embarked on a professional tour in Montenegro, where we played against three professional teams—two from the 1st Division and one from the 3rd Division. The Tour was highly successful, and five of our players were signed to Montenegrin clubs.

Training Facility

Split image showing a soccer stadium with blue seating and spectators on the left, and a modern soccer field with a goal and empty stands on the right.

Soccer players in orange shirts pose and practice on a field in front of stadium bleachers.

In June of 2021, Belgrade United FC won their first friendly match of the season in Serbia. Then the squad played a Division 2 professional first team to measure their level. On July 7th, six American players traveled to Sweden and others stayed in Serbia for different pro tryouts.

Large youth soccer team posing for a group photo on a grassy field with goals and trees in the background

Group of young people posing together on a sunny backyard lawn, with tall evergreen trees and garden decorations behind them

Group of young men gathered around a backyard swimming pool beside lounge chairs and manicured landscaping

Our guys enjoyed a hot summer day after our First game in Serbia

Three soccer players in black A.I.K. jerseys beside an A.I.K. Tryouts first division club graphic, with A.I.K. supporters in the background.

AIK Fotboll is one of Sweden's most successful and popular football clubs, based in Solna, just outside the capital city of Stockholm. Founded in 1891, AIK has a rich history and is well-known for its passionate fan base. The team plays in Sweden’s top football league, Allsvenskan, and has won numerous league titles and domestic cups over the years. AIK plays its home matches at Friends Arena, one of the largest stadiums in the country, creating an electric atmosphere during games. The club is recognized for its strong tradition, competitive spirit, and fierce rivalries, especially with other Stockholm-based teams.

Vasalunds IF is a Swedish football club based in Solna, a suburb of Stockholm. Founded in 1934, the club has a long history of competing in the lower divisions of Swedish football but has gained attention for developing young talent. Vasalund often serves as a stepping stone for players looking to move up to higher levels, including top Swedish clubs. The team plays its home matches at Skytteholms IP, a small but well-maintained stadium. While not as well-known as some of its Stockholm neighbors, Vasalund is respected for its commitment to youth development and competitive play in Sweden's football leagues.

Travel collage featuring four young men at the Linnaeus monument in Stockholm and a narrow historic Stockholm street with colorful buildings and a church tower.

Our players enjoying time off from their Pro trials in Stockholm, Sweden.

OFK Mladost Donja Gorica soccer player signing a contract, club crest, and player posing at DG Arena

Our first two players to sign Professional contracts in Montenegro!

OFK Mladost and OFK Titograd are football clubs based in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, known for their contributions to the country’s football scene. OFK Mladost, one of Montenegro’s older football institutions, has a history dating back to 1950. The club has played in Montenegro's top league, the Montenegrin First League, and has competed in both domestic and European competitions. In 2018, the club rebranded as OFK Titograd, reviving its historic name and aiming to strengthen its identity in Montenegrin football.

OFK Titograd soccer players signing contracts and presenting a team jersey in front of a sponsor backdrop

OFK Titograd has been known for its competitive spirit, regularly contending in the Montenegrin First League. The club also focuses on developing young talent and has had some success in Montenegrin Cup competitions. While not the most dominant club in the country, OFK Titograd has a strong local following and is respected for its resilience and contributions to football in Montenegro.

FK Radnički Kragujevac soccer team collage featuring players in action, the club crest, and a full team group photo

Belgrade United FC (BUFC) played the U18 FK Radnicki KG, one of the top Super League clubs in Serbia. Our players were being evaluated by the Academy Director. In November 2021 we competed against their under-19 academy squad that competed in the Serbian U19 Super League.

FK Radnički Kragujevac is a historic football club based in Kragujevac, Serbia. Founded in 1923, the club has a long tradition in Serbian football and is one of the oldest football institutions in the country. Radnički has spent several seasons in Serbia’s top football league, the Serbian SuperLiga, and is known for its passionate local fan base. The club plays its home matches at the Čika Dača Stadium, named after one of Serbia’s early football pioneers.

Throughout its history, FK Radnički Kragujevac has been recognized for its fighting spirit and strong connection to the city of Kragujevac. While the club has faced challenges in maintaining top-tier status, it remains an important part of Serbian football, especially for its role in developing local talent and its proud footballing tradition.

Football Club Radnički staff members posing in front of the club emblem, including a presentation of a red-and-white team jersey.

Belgrade United FC established a partnership with Radnicki KG

On October 26th, 2021 Belgrade United FC drew with FC Kickers, 2-2. BUFC was preparing for a pro tour of Montenegro where former Belgrade United players, Ethan Sogocio and MC Lopez signed professional contracts in August. FC Kicker’s academy is a member of the top flight league in Serbia competing against the best clubs in Serbia including Red Star.

F.K. Tek Sloga Veliki Crljeni soccer team collage with players competing on a field, team photo, and blue-and-yellow club crest.

Belgrade United kicked off against third tier, TEK in the Belgrade district in Serbia. Preparing for the Montenegro Pro Tour.

Housing

We stayed in a University dormitory with indoor futsal courts, a gym, and a pool.

Before-and-after photos of a colorful multi-story school building with balconies, trees, and a courtyard

Group of soccer fans posing in a stadium with the field and players behind them

Our players enjoying the Redstar game and experiencing the Serbian Football Culture.

Moved to Arandjelovac, Serbia

Aranđelovac is a small town in central Serbia, known for its natural beauty and mineral spa, Bukovička Banja. Located at the foot of Bukulja mountain, the town is popular for its relaxing spa waters and scenic parks filled with sculptures. It has historical significance, with ties to Serbia’s royal family and important events in the 19th century.

The town is also famous for producing mineral water and offers great opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. With its peaceful atmosphere and mix of tradition and modern life, Aranđelovac is a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation.

Split aerial view of a European city, showing a landscaped park and historic red-roofed buildings on the left and an autumn cityscape with a sports emblem on the right

Split image of a soccer team in navy and orange uniforms sitting beside a reservoir and walking on a tree-lined campus path.

Split image showing a student using a laptop in a dorm room and the exterior of a landscaped multi-story residence building with balconies.

Athletes receiving recovery treatments, including red light therapy and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber

Collage of Belgrade United FC athletes training in a gym, using strength machines, agility equipment, and a barbell bench press.

Montenegro Pro Tour 2021

In November 2021, Belgrade United FC took a 10-day, 5-game pro tour of Montenegro. Our 24-player squad played five professional first teams and won four of five games.

Professional first-team pro clubs from divisions 1, 2, & 3 clubs were interested in several of our players. Ultimately, five of our players signed Pro contracts in Montenegro.

Large soccer team posing on a field in front of a mountainous town

Group photo prior to our match in Budva, Montenegro.

Large group photo of soccer players and coaches in orange and blue uniforms posing on a field with mountains in the background

Vs FK Sudjeska Montenegrin 1st Division

Collage of soccer players training and competing on an outdoor field, including FK Železničar team players and Belgrade United FC athletes.

Soccer team members with backpacks walk onto a stadium field, alongside a player wearing headphones as he exits a team bus.

Vs FK Zeta Montenegrin 1st Division

Belgrade United FC soccer players huddle on a field beside mountains, alongside a player being interviewed at a sponsor backdrop.

Soccer players in orange and yellow uniforms competing for the ball on a grassy field.

vs. FK Budva Montenegrin 3rd Division first team

Cultural Experience

Ostrog Monastery, located in the mountains of Montenegro, is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. Built into a steep cliff face, the monastery was founded in the 17th century by Saint Basil of Ostrog, whose relics are preserved there. It is renowned for its spiritual and historical importance, drawing visitors from all faiths who seek healing and blessings. The monastery's unique position offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, adding to its mystical and serene atmosphere.

Soccer team in matching navy tracksuits visiting a white monastery built into a rocky cliff.

Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans, lies on the border between Montenegro and Albania, offering stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Known for its expansive wetlands, the lake is a haven for over 280 species of birds, including the rare Dalmatian pelican. Skadar Lake National Park, which surrounds much of the Montenegrin side, is also home to historic monasteries, charming fishing villages, and lush landscapes. With its tranquil waters and diverse wildlife, the lake is a popular destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Smiling soccer fan wearing a navy FK Beograd United FC baseball cap, with two people in the background