49th Annual HNNS Tournament

  One thing that always boggled my mind was how Croatians in North America are able to host one of the longest-running and one of the largest national or ethnic sporting events in North America and how barely anyone in Croatia even knows about it. It is one thing not to care; but I assume someone does since they host a 'diaspora' tournament every year in Croatia, note: a tournament which is hosted by the HNS who cherrypicks the largest and wealthiest Croatian emigre clubs to partake, but it is another thing not to even acknowledge that it exists. Some of the Croatian emigre clubs have existed longer than some homegrown HNL clubs!

   Throughout the decades since Tito's communist Yugoslavia fell, not much public opinion in Croatia regarding Croatian emigres and their organizations have changed. You all know what I'm talking about.  Aside from Croatia not paying attention, the Croatians that have ties to Croatia and love to make a profit off of covering peaceful apolitical folklore rallies - also totally ignore these manifestations.

  A little background: the Hrvatski Nacionalni Nogometni Savez Kanade i Amerike or the HNNS, is a Croatian Soccer Federation that is going into it's 50th year of existence. The first club to host the HNNS Tournament was Cleveland Croatia which was established in 1957 and has been growing ever since. This year's tournament took place in Norval, Ontario and it was hosted by HNNK Livno Oakville. The Tournament which takes place every year usually goes as follows: Friday night opening ceremonies (party); Saturday Group Stage games followed by Saturday night party; and finally, Sunday Quarter/Semi and Finals followed by the closing ceremonies and banquet - yes another party. And what a party.

   Every year one can always find a homegrown Croat from Croatia who is absolutely astonished that something like this even exists. This manifestation is one of - if not the greatest tradition of the Croatian emigration. This blog will aim to promote this very tournament and its patrons and member clubs.

 If you missed this years HNNS Tournament, NewYork Croatia; who is celebrating its 50th year of existence, took home the gold after a very tight final which ended in a penalty shoot-out. Also see: www.hnnsavez.com

David Diehl of the NY Giants with his NY Croatia Scarf and the boys at the Superbowl.