Youngsters from Wolves Academy took part in the second annual Matija Šarkić Tournament over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, paying tribute to the former Wolves goalkeeper.
Hosted by the Football Association of Montenegro – Šarkić’s home nation – the tournament celebrated the life, career and achievements of the 26-year-old, who tragically passed away in June 2024. Following last summer’s inaugural event in Belgium, this year’s competition was held in the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica.
Eight teams featured in the tournament: Wolves, Aston Villa, Royal Antwerp, Inter Milan, Partizan Belgrade, Montenegro and Slovenia, with the host nation poignantly lifting the trophy.
Wolves’ under-13s will remember the weekend fondly after securing a penalty shoot-out victory over Aston Villa in the Plate competition and experiencing some of the amazing sites of Montenegro. Captain Justin Fesyuk was also recognised individually, earning a place in the tournament’s 12-player ‘best performers’ squad.
While the group impressed on the pitch with their performances and professionalism, their conduct away from the action also left a lasting impression on both the Šarkić family and the Montenegrin FA.
During the opening ceremony, Fesyuk and coach Courtney Pitt presented Matija’s twin brother, Oliver, with a signed Wolves goalkeeper shirt bearing his squad number 13. The Šarkić shirts worn by the players throughout the tournament were also warmly received by supporters.
The idea to present the shirt came from player care officer Natalie Scates, who said: “We felt it would be a fitting gesture to present a shirt to the Šarkić family, showing just how much Matija meant to everyone at with the special connection the club has with the family, Special thanks must go to Diana Bracanovic from Artica in Podgorica, who turned around the framed shirt within two hours of our arrival. Diana was honoured to play a small part in the gesture due to being moved by the story of Matija and the tournament.”
Scates also praised the players’ efforts across the weekend: “Our young group can be extremely proud of how they performed, particularly as some were facing older opponents. They worked tirelessly in every match and represented themselves and the club brilliantly, honouring Matija in a way we’re sure he would have been proud of.”
Away from the pitch, the squad also had the opportunity to experience Montenegro, visiting The Old Town of Kotor, where they enjoyed some downtime together experiencing the natural beauty and history of Kotor. The group later spent time at Kamenovo beach in Budva, before rounding off the trip by attending a live basketball match between KK Budućnost Voli (Mr Sarkic's old team) and KK Partizan Belgrade where they experienced the buzz and excitement of a Liga ABA game.
Wolves would like to place on record their sincere thanks to the following individuals and organisations for their outstanding support in providing the squad with an unforgettable experience in Montenegro, We hope to be back next year!
- Diana Bracanovic (Artica)
- Dunja (Montenegro FA team representative)
- Bojan and Natalie Šarkić
- Danilo and Oliver Šarkić
- Nikola Prentić (Grassroots Manager - FA of Montenegro)