In a ceremony held today at the “House of Football”, took place the draw for the U-17 European Championship “Albania 2025”, a majestic tournament of this age group that will be held from may 19 to June 1, in our country.
The president of the Football Association, Armand Duka, during his speech, praised this competition like a unique opportunity to show the progress of Albanian football. He highlighted the importance of this tournament, a step forward in the development and promotion of young talents, considering it a celebration of sporting values and passion for football.
Additionally, the head of the Albanian football governance emphasized that organizing this championship is yet another testament to the Association’s commitment to elevating the level of football in the country, highlighting investments in infrastructure and the development of the new generations of footballers.
In conclusion, President Duka wished success to all the participating teams and invited everyone to discover the beauties of Albania, experiencing this tournament not only as a sports competition but also as a unique cultural and hospitable experience.
Below, the full speech of President Duka during the draw of the U-17 European Championship “Albania 2025”:
“Honorable representatives of the associations, friends of football, guests, and sports enthusiasts,
Today is a special day, filled with emotions for all of us, having the privilege and honor to host the ceremony of the UEFA EURO 2025 for the age group U-17 finals draw, a competition that will take place in Albania from May 19 to June 1.
Allow me, first, to extend my warmest welcome to the representatives of UEFA, the associations of the participating countries, the coaches, the players, and all the football enthusiasts who passionately follow the development of young talents on our continent.
For Albania and the Albanian Football Association, organizing this tournament is a testament to our commitment to the development of football and raising it to international levels. In recent years, we have demonstrated our organizational ability with important events, including the historic final of the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022 in Tirana, which once again confirmed that we are capable of hosting events with significant impact and special emotion. This success motivates and encourages us to work even harder to ensure that EURO U17 2025, which will be held in Albania from May 19 to June 1, will be another historic moment for both Albanian and European football.
The presence of the Minister of Education and Sports in Albania, Ms. Ogerta Manastirliu, is a testament to the importance and seriousness of this competition.
The Albanian Football Association has worked with continuous dedication to raise the level of Albanian football. We have invested in club academies, helped improve the quality of coaching, and introduced new projects for the development of youth and children’s football. Organizing a tournament like UEFA EURO U-17 is a unique opportunity to showcase our progress and continue the growth of football in the country.
Through modern strategies and sustainable policies, we have managed to increase the number of children involved in football, improve playing conditions, and introduce modern infrastructure. The new stadiums and standardized fields are part of a long-term plan to create a favorable environment for the development of future generations of Albanian football.
This tournament is not just a football competition. It is a celebration of sporting values, passion, and talent. We are confident that the EURO U-17 finals will be a fantastic showcase for the stars of the future of European football. Albania will do everything to ensure that this event is unforgettable for all participants and provides irreplaceable emotions for the fans.
During this tournament, I invite you all to experience not only the emotions of football but also to discover the extraordinary beauties of Albania. From the stunning Ionian and Adriatic coasts to the historic cities and majestic mountains, our country offers a unique experience that combines sport with culture and the hospitable Albanian traditions. We are confident that you will feel at home and leave with unforgettable memories.
We believe that sport, and especially football, has the power to unite people, create opportunities, and inspire future generations.
Organizing this tournament gives us the opportunity to showcase not only our organizational skills but also our passion and love for football.
I wish success to all the participating teams and hope that this experience will remain a beautiful and valuable memory for all the players who will step onto the field and those who will watch from the stands.
Thank you and welcome to Albania!
