A new season is just around the corner for NK Olimpija Ljubljana’s youth teams, featuring competitions for the U15s, U17s and U19s. The U19s will be the first to play for points, while the U17s and U15s will play their first league match on August 10.
U19
The Dragons’ reins were taken over at the start of summer preparations by Dejan Dončić, an experienced coach who has previously won youth national championship titles and competed on the European stage. He will be assisted by assistant coach Marko Nunić, a former green-and-white striker, and goalkeeping coach Andrej Kračman. The role of fitness coach has been taken up by Tim Vrzel, who has so far worked with the U17s.
“As a Ljubljančan and a former Olimpija player, I’m happy and grateful for the opportunity. This cooperation is a great honour for me, but I’m also aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. During the summer preparations we got to know the boys well, and I think we’ve managed to put together a competitive team that will be fighting for the top of the table. I’m pleased with the positive energy and mindset the boys bring to training, so we can’t wait for the league to start,” said head coach Dončić.
Over the summer, the U19s played five friendly matches and recorded four wins, with a +6 goal difference. They now face NK Rudar Velenje in the opening round.
Arrivals: Maks Ljubenović, Lovro Koželj, Luka Bele, Leon Milović, Artur Vinicius, Tien Goga
Departures: Luka Tomsič, Svit Oblak, Aljaž Baltič, Žan Luka Šega, Jan Cedilnik, Val Matija Zakrajšek, Vid Pertovt, Tanai Kazić, Ali Isić, Damjan Ilisić, Nik Zver
U17
Antonio Mlinar Delamea remains head coach of the U17s for the 2026/27 season, with Blaž Babnik as his assistant. From now on, the fitness coach will be Aljoša Flajšman, who will also work as an assistant coach with the U15s.
“The preparation period is coming to an end and we’re satisfied with the work done. We achieved our main goal: we got into a competitive rhythm and ensured the boys are physically well prepared. Over the past weeks we’ve seen quite a few good things, but also identified areas we’ll need to keep working on during the season. I believe we’ll grow as a team from round to round,” said Mlinar Delamea.
Over the summer, the U17s played six friendly matches and recorded four wins. They will open the new competitive season with an away match against NK Kalcer Radomlje.
Arrivals: Gal Jevšnik, Nikola Poplašen, Philip Xavier Sanoria Radovanović
Departures: Maks Gnezda Rekić, Daris Tabaković, Nemanja Đorđević, Gregor Jugović, Deniz Aydoganli
U15
The new head coach of the U15s is Jasmin Jerič, who led the U19s last season. He will be assisted by Aljoša Flajšman, the fitness coach of the U17 squad.
“It’s important that during preparations we tested all the boys, gave them a chance to prove themselves, and at the same time saw the things we’re building in training. Progress is noticeable; of course we’ll need some time, which is completely normal for this part of the year. Friendly matches help reinforce our style of play, and we’ll definitely go step by step,” said Jerič.
Alongside the U17s, the U15s will also open the 2026/27 season in Radomlje. The Young Dragons’ first home opponent will then be Mura.
Arrivals: /
Departures: Adin Dervić
