Upcoming event
A Book for a Smile
Bring a children's book instead of flowers. Every book collected goes to the children in the paediatric ward of Kanev University Hospital in Ruse. At 16:00 Dunav Ruse host Etar, and the children at the stadium receive shirts with Ventsi's smile. On 31 August his sister Katrin leads Dunav and Lokomotiv Sofia onto the pitch.
Ventsi – The Smile of Football Talent
Ventsi is a child of light – a long-awaited miracle conceived with boundless love. Since the age of five, his place has been on the pitch, where he leaves his heart with every touch of the ball. For him, football is everything.
Ventsi is an exceptional talent – many see in him the potential of the next Messi. He is a leader who guides his team with a smile. Despite daily training, he excels in school and succeeds in everything. Ventsi is radiant, kind, and loved by all.
At the age of 11, in August 2023, Ventsi was tragically killed by a lightning strike during training at FC Dunav’s ground. His dream was to become world-famous – and today he achieves this through the tournament that bears his name.
We express our special gratitude to the Dimitar Berbatov Foundation for the idea to create this tournament!
Our Mission
Development of youth sports and promotion of universal human values by creating safe conditions for sports. No child should risk their life on the field.
Our Vision
Ruse – the modern hub of youth sport in the Balkans. We aim to turn the Northern Star Cup into a place where children from across Europe forge friendships, alliances, and memories.
Media coverage
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Northern Star Cup
400+
children
30+
teams
4
countries
75+
matches
The Northern Star Cup is the largest international youth football event in Ruse. Every year the tournament brings together elite youth academies from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, and the Balkans at the Dunav Sports Complex.
Ruse – The Bulgarian Pearl on the Danube
Ruse is a city with a millennium-old history originating from the ancient Roman port of Sexaginta Prista. Today it is the architectural pearl of Bulgaria, a symbol of free spirit and European culture. Located near unique natural parks, Ruse offers ideal conditions for youth tournaments, combining sports with a healthy environment and inspiring history.
Support the Cause
Bank Transfer (UBB):
IBAN: BG97UBBS80021472316310
BIC: UBBSBG22
Recipient: Foundation “Sport and Safety – Smile for Ventsi”
Charity Shop
The “Smile for Ventsi” T-shirt — white, with Ventsi on the front and the winged V on the back. There is no set price: you give what you decide, to the foundation’s account. Write to us about size and delivery.