The Albanian Football Association in cooperation with UEFA and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth launched one of the most important football projects for elementary schools, entitled ‘’Grow’. The project was firstly promoted in two elementary schools of the city of Elbasan , ‘’Qamil Guranjaku’’ and ‘’Sule Harri’’. Project ‘’Grow’’ is a personal commitment of AFA , for football in schools , so children are closer to this sport.
The start of this project saw the participation of children coaches and parents, under the enthusiastic atmosphere and the passion that these kids have, and the dreams that they want to push forward. Present in the ceremony was the President of Albanian Football Association, Mr. Armand Duka, Deputy Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Kostandin Shkurti , the Director of Elementary School ‘’Sule Harri’’, Deputy Mayor of Elbasan and the Education Director of the city.
There are 200 schools all over the country, that starting from this month , will conduct the ‘’football hour’ during their physical education subject. Everything is coordinated and programmed based a specific program for the subject, and based of the agreement signed between AFA and the Ministry. Project ‘’Grow’’ was entrusted to Albania and other UEFA federations. This initiative is applied for the first time in our country, an important, ambitious project that brings children closer to football.
In his speech, President Duka declared :- “ I am thrilled that today, in a such important day, together with the children, we initiate the ‘’Grow’’ project , in close cooperation with UEFA and the Education, Sports and Youth Ministry. An ambitious project that supports the passion and the dreams that children have for football. This project will extend all across the country, in partnership with the Ministry of Education. One hour a week of the physical education subject will be dedicated to football and the children that run after this magical game. For our institution, children’s football is a priority and we will continue to be closer to them with continues initiatives and projects. I repeat : I am thrilled to be here among these children, and dedicated to support, promote and encourage their passion’’.
Starting from Monday , this project will be implemented in other public elementary schools of Tirana and other Albanian cities.
