The new football pitch of the “Etien Football Academy” at the “At Zef Pllumi” school in Tirana has been inaugurated. This is a high-quality investment by the academy, where the facility has been completely reconstructed and made functional and modern for the children of the academy, of the school and the surrounding area.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the President of the AFA, Armand Duka, the Director of the “At Zef Pllumi” school, Anila Baxho, the Director of the “Etien Football Academy”, Gelda Lilo, parents, media representatives etc.
In his speech, President Duka praised this significant investment in one of the most populated areas of Tirana. He proudly highlighted the fact that the academy is led by a woman, emphasizing that the contribution of women in sports is extremely important and irreplaceable.
President Duka once again reiterated his call to all interested parties who want to collaborate with the Football Association through the “100 Fields” project, aiming to build as many high-quality fields as possible for children throughout the country.
“Undoubtedly, our mission is the same, a shared one, and our goal is the education of children. We aim to achieve this through football, and you through all the components of children’s education. I am truly very happy to be here with you and the children. I want to thank you “Etien Football Academy”, which is one of the largest academies, not only for the number of children it has registered today, over 250 children playing football, but also for the quality with which this academy educates children, not just in sports, but in other aspects as well.
In our work’s objectives is the improvement of infrastructure, and this is proof of that improvement. This field will serve the children who are here, but not only this one, the other fields where they train and play will also serve the children of the school. Undoubtedly, we still have much more to do, especially in Tirana, where there is a great need for more and more sports fields, both because of the population density in Tirana and due to the lack of available space.
We also have a project called “100 Fields,” which I will repeat and once again invite everyone who has the opportunity to cooperate with us. I would also like to mention another fact that is truly a priority for the Football Association: to have as many girls and women in football. Not only on the field, playing and refereeing, but also as women like the one who is leading this very successful academy in Tirana today, a great example of success, and I want to thank her and applaud her together with everyone for her contribution to the development of football.
I am very confident that our collaboration with all the schools will continue. We not only have this project, but many other projects with all the schools in Albania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, for the education of children from the age of 5 and upwards, through a project called “Playmakers”, or other similar projects. The “Playmakers” project is about educating or instilling the feeling of sports in children through their beloved cartoon characters and other programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aiming to have healthy children who are well educated, also through football.” – said the President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka.
The Director of “Etien Football Academy,” Gelda Lilo, expressed that the inauguration of the new pitch is a great emotion. She thanked the AFA and President Duka for their continuous support in the development of football in Albania.
“It is a great emotion for me that today we inaugurate this new pitch. An investment that has helped us a lot to move forward, especially in the field of football. “Etien Football Academy” has over 250 children who grow and train with the values of sports. A special thanks goes to the Albanian Football Association, to President Armand Duka, who is here with us, to the director of the school, Mrs. Anila, and to the parents who trusted us. I also thank all the children who are present here today and will enjoy this new pitch. Thank you,”- said the Director of “Etien Football Academy,” Gelda Lilo.
Meanwhile, the director of “At Zef Pllumi” school, Anila Barxho, emphasized that the new pitch will be valuable for all the children in the area and thanked President Duka for everything he has done for the development of football in our country.
“I thank you all for being present at this joyous moment of the inauguration of this beautiful pitch, which helps sports and the children of the area. As the director of “At Zef Pllumi” school, I am very honored to have Mr. Armand Duka, President of the AFA, present in our facilities. Thank you for being here. I believe the children’s enthusiasm is justified, considering everything you have done for Albanian football,”- said the Director of “At Zef Pllumi” school, Anila Barxho.
