The SB Football Academy has officially entered into a partnership with Red Star Belgrade.
Founded by Serbian national team player and former Red Star defender Srđan Babić, the academy began operations on September 1 and already boasts over 100 young participants.
“Our goal is to provide children with high-quality training and a positive environment. With hard work and good behavior, these boys can progress significantly. We started on September 1 and already have over 100 members. We aim to expand the academy into something bigger, including outdoor fields where kids can train under optimal conditions—something we lacked at the start of our careers. After that, it’s up to them to improve through quality training, and hopefully, some will become future national team players,” said Srđan Babić.
Former goalkeeper Nemanja Supić, representing Red Star, also commented on the collaboration:
“Congratulations to Srđan on bringing this idea to life. The kids here have excellent conditions to grow and develop. Red Star is the biggest club in the region, and it’s natural for us to scout talented players. Republika Srpska is full of talented kids—players like Luka Jović, Dejan Joveljić, and Mihajlo Ristić all came from here. Currently, we have promising players such as Stefan Gudelj and goalkeeper Savo Radanović.
This partnership will be mutually beneficial. Boys will have the opportunity to attend trial trainings, and we will closely monitor their progress while giving priority to recruiting talented players. Director Nikola Jelić and coach Nenad Milijaš will oversee these young athletes. The facilities in this academy are top-notch, and now it’s up to the kids to make the most of it. We know how much support we have in Republika Srpska and how loved Red Star is here,” added Supić.
Babić emphasized that such academy concepts already exist across Europe, noting examples in Russia where several Spartak and Zenit players came from similar academies.
“I want to thank Red Star for their understanding and support. It’s an honor to have such a prestigious club and brand backing us. Given my playing experience, I believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial. In Russia, many players have risen through academy systems, and I hope we’ll have similar success here,” said Babić, who also announced future collaboration with Banja Luka’s Borac.
“I’d like to congratulate Borac on their fantastic success in European competitions. I started my career there, and we will definitely collaborate in the future. The aim is to get as many kids involved in training and to help the most talented ones advance further,” concluded Babić.
Source: Glas Srpske
