Legends and Future Stars Unite in Omiš for 15th Goalkeeper Handball Camp
The camp, which has been setting high standards since its first edition in 2011, continues to grow and evolve. This year, more than 120 young goalkeepers from around the world are training under one roof in two Omiš sports halls, working with top names—renowned demonstrators and goalkeeper coaches.
Over the seven days of the camp, participants will train and receive guidance from some of the sport’s greatest names, including “the man who has won it all in handball,” the recently retired French legend Vincent Gérard. Also featured are new FC Barcelona goalkeeper Viktor Hallgrímsson, Dragan Jerković, Matej Mandić, Filip Ivić, Marin Šego, Mayssa Pessoa, EHF Champions League-winning goalkeeper coach Dino Špiranec, Milan Tolić, Marina Škrobot, Thomas Torabi, Andre Teixeira, Primož Prost, Haris Porobić, Ice Sokoleski, Urh Kastelić, Radek Kozaczuk, Matea Lonac, Kristof Palasics, and many others.
Mario Čaljkušić, Camp Founder:
“The camp has been through a lot—many beautiful moments and some tough ones. Just two days ago, a wildfire near Omiš threatened the entire project. I’m thankful to our firefighters for doing an outstanding job. Thanks to all the goalkeepers who’ve joined us, including Vincent Gérard, whom we’ve been inviting for years. I’m proud of everyone involved—the organization, our sponsors, and especially Dino Špiranec, who was a demonstrator here in 2011 and is now a European champion with Magdeburg. Mikael Appelgren, Benjamin Burić, Matija Špikić, Kristof Palasics… these are all keepers who once trained here and are now among the best in the world.”
Vincent Gérard:
“I’m happy and proud to be here. Seeing my name among the great goalkeepers who have been part of this camp is an honor. I’ll do my best to pass on my experience to the young players. Everyone here has the same goal—to improve. I’m looking forward to that and to getting to know Split and Croatia better. We talked eight months ago, and I said that now is the right time to come. There’s always something new to learn—at every practice, every match. It’s always valuable to observe how others work and take something away from it, even though we’re all different—some tall like Mandić, others smaller like Desbonnet…”
Matej Mandić:
“It’s an honor to be here. As a kid, I wanted to attend, but my family’s financial situation didn’t allow it. I’m glad to be here today. This camp tells beautiful stories, and there’s a lot to learn from it. For me, it’s a privilege and a joy. I hope I’ll be able to teach someone something as well
