The Albanian Football Asociation has launched the second edition of the UEFA B Fitness Coach course, an important program for certifying athletic coaches and professionalizing physical preparation in Albanian football. The course will be conducted in four modules throughout 2026, combining theoretical and practical aspects, with a special focus on physical load management and player development by age groups.
Chris Barnes, a sports science expert, UEFA mentor, and advisor, highlighted the importance of the course in an interview with fshf.org, emphasizing its impact on athletic coaching:
“This development comes with the second edition of the course, which has already been attended by a significant number of coaches. It’s a very positive step for athletic preparation in Albania, as the course focuses on professionalization and standardization, establishing foundational standards. The group of coaches participating in this course gains a qualification that can serve as a ‘European passport,’ giving them opportunities to work abroad as well.”
Iris Selimi, Head of the Performance Department at AFA, shared details on the course’s focus:
“We are in the second season of the UEFA Fitness Coach B program, a very important course for physical preparation. It will define training loads and knowledge, balancing theoretical and practical components for the participants. This intensive course, divided into four periods throughout 2026, will provide crucial information on workload management in women’s football, with a special emphasis on different age groups.”
The course aims to establish basic standards for athletic preparation, improving not only the level of coaches but also player performance, while opening broader professional opportunities in Albanian football and beyond.
