As part of the promotional campaign for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship “Albania 2025,” the Albanian Football Association organized a festive event this afternoon in Durrës, bringing together children and local residents of the city.
The activity, held in the square in front of the Palace of Culture, focused on promoting this historic event for our country and involving the Durrës community in this major sporting occasion, which will take place from May 19 to June 1 in Albania.
The event was attended by the President of the AFA, Armand Duka, the Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Endrit Hoxha, the tournament ambassador Klaus Gjasula, as well as members of the AFA Executive Committee and representatives of the Durrës Regional Football Association.
President Duka spoke about this major event that will take place in our country, describing it as a historic moment for Albania. The head of the AFA invited all citizens of Durrës to support our national team in this championship and to warmly welcome the other seven finalist teams. President Duka expressed full confidence that all Albanians will turn this event into a true celebration of sport.
“Just one month from now, the seven best teams in Europe will join our national team to compete in this important European championship, taking place for the first time in Albania’s history. We are proud to have the opportunity to host such an event. I am very confident that with your support, and the support of many key stakeholders in the country, we will organize a model tournament. We will turn it into not just a sporting celebration, but something even greater than that.
Being from Durrës, I’m very happy that we’re launching the promotion of the European Championship right here in my hometown. I’m confident that Durrës, just like the other three host cities, will know how to warmly welcome the teams and support them with your presence, and even more of you in the stands, making it truly a celebration. Everything is now ready: the four stadiums where the matches will be played are prepared, and ten training grounds have been reconstructed with the support of the Albanian government and the AFA. Let’s all come together to support this European Championship and experience it in the best possible way. I invite you all to follow this Euro live from the stadium!”
Durrës is one of the host cities of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, with several final matches of the tournament that will be played at the “Niko Dovana” Stadium. In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Endrit Hoxha, praised President Duka’s contribution to bringing this major tournament to Albania and emphasized that the city of Durrës will benefit from increased vibrancy, tourism, and energy. “Honorable President of the AFA, Armand Duka, it is truly an honor and a source of pride, and I believe this European Championship for youth is the result of your tireless dedication and work.
I believe that the preparations, especially for the city of Durrës, are at the highest level. Our support follows your ambitious efforts in organizing this event. The city of Durrës will be filled with vibrancy, tourism, and life, and I believe that together we will all enjoy the magic and the most beautiful sport, football,” – said Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Endrit Hoxha.
The Ambassador of the tournament, Klaus Gjasula, greeted all those present and invited them to support our national team in this European competition.
“It’s a tough group, there are strong teams. We will enjoy the moment, we will have the opportunity to show who we are. We will show the world and the support of the fans, we will back the boys and we will have confidence.”
