Report / Albanian children growing up between two worlds. The Association brings the diaspora closer to the red and black colors

In Wales, before the ball started rolling on the pitch, a special moment further united the Albanian community with the women’s national team. As part of this atmosphere, the AFA gifted red and black jerseys to children from the diaspora, making them feel even closer to the team and national colors. The children of the Albanian diaspora, dressed in red and black, had the opportunity to accompany the team onto the field—an experience that goes beyond football for them. A memory tied to identity, roots, and the pride of being Albanian.

“Our entire community is very happy, and of course the children too, for the opportunity you gave us. To support the girls and to manage to keep the roots from where we come from. This is our goal as a community here,” said Ilirjan Allamani, chairman of the Albanian-Kosovar Cultural Association in Wales, speaking to AFA.

For the Albanian community in Wales, these are not just matches. They are moments that bring together entire generations. Even though they are spread across different places, they always come together to support the national team on the pitch.

“We are proud to be here, to be close to the women’s national team. The group comes from Cardiff; we are here in another part of Wales. In general, the community here is small in number, but everyone has an extraordinary passion for football,” says Baf Kurtulaj, secretary of the Albanian-Kosovar Cultural Association in Wales.

A small community in size, but big in heart. And for some, this connection with Albania has been built over years, far from their homeland.

“We must preserve our traditions and be very conscious, because I have been living here for almost 30 years. My wife is English, my children were born here, but they have a strong passion for Albania. Language is one of the things that distinguishes where we come from,” Kurtulaj further emphasizes.

Some travel for hours just to be there, to support Albania.

“I came from 200 km away to watch this match. I am very proud that it is Albania playing against Wales. We are a small country, but we have managed to play very well,” says an Albanian fan present at the Wales–Albania match.

Preserving language, traditions, and identity is a daily challenge for the diaspora. But football remains one of the strongest bridges connecting them to Albania.

“Football for the diaspora is very good, especially for our children. We hope that in the future we will play for Albania. Forca Shqipëria,” says another Albanian fan living in Wales.

“Football is very important for the diaspora. The children were born in different European countries; it is important for them to see where we come from,” emphasizes another supporter present at the “Stok Rae Cas” stadium, during the women’s Albania vs Wales match.

And in this story, perhaps the most important role belongs to the children—those growing up between two cultures, yet feeling Albania as part of themselves.

“My name is Ornela, I am 9 years old and I come from Albania. I am very happy. I feel very happy because the red and black colors are the colors of the flag, my favorite color. I am very proud to be Albanian,” says Ornela, a 9-year-old Albanian fan born and raised abroad, speaking to AFA.

“I am from Albania, I am 10 years old and from Cardiff. I feel 100% Albanian,” says another Albanian girl, born and raised in Wales.

A feeling that does not fade with distance or long miles—in fact, it grows stronger.

“I am very proud, especially my children, because the AFA has made a symbolic but very meaningful contribution. We are also very grateful to you, because the Association is truly doing the right things at the right time,” says Baf Kurtulaj, who also acknowledges, off-camera, the symbolic gesture of the AFA.

The Association continues to keep this connection with the diaspora alive, making them part of every journey of the national team.

“We know very well that the Albanian diaspora has supported our national team—not only the men’s team but also the women’s team—wherever they have gone. Even though here in Wales the numbers are smaller and more modest, we were very happy to see everyone at the stadium entrance with national flags and their children coming to watch the girls in this important match.”

“The AFA has always encouraged fans, not only those in Albania, Kosovo, and all Albanian territories, but also those in the diaspora, to be part of our journeys, to be part of both successes and failures, which are part of the game. What matters is knowing how to come back stronger than ever. This cannot be done without the enthusiasm of Albanians, our fans wherever they are,” says Anila Basha, member of the Executive Committee of the AFA.

Because Albania may be just a country on the world map, but not on the map of the hearts of Albanians in the diaspora.