Within the framework of UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Tirana, uefa.com dedicated an article to the development of Albanian football, focusing on grassroots football, inclusivity, and the projects that the Albanian Football Association has undertaken to bring football closer to the community.
Below is the full UEFA article:
As Albania prepares to host the final meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee and a special grassroots football festival this week, we take a look at how the Albanian Football Federation is opening the game for everyone.
As part of AFA’s mission to strengthen the game and promote its values to the people of Albania, the federation is committed to developing football at the grassroots level and providing welcoming, inspiring, and accessible opportunities for the entire population to have access to the sport.
“Football is not just a sport in Albania; it is a social force that brings people together and gives everyone opportunities, regardless of age, gender, or abilities,” says AFA President Armand Duka. “Through our grassroots programs, we want every child in Albania to feel that football is their game.
Our strategy is clear: to build strong foundations at the grassroots level, offer modern infrastructure, and create pathways so that every young player has the chance to dream of one day wearing the national team jersey. This way, we will ensure a brighter future for Albanian football.”
This year, the federation successfully achieved the strategic goal of registering 23,000 grassroots players nationwide and continues to create new opportunities through a series of initiatives, which we will examine below.
Building a workforce in football
At the heart of AFA’s success is a dynamic and growing workforce in football. Through regional federations, AFA has built a strong structure supporting football development across the country. With a focus on coach education, talent identification, and player pathways, Albania has created a unique framework that empowers clubs and local communities.
UEFA C level coaching courses at grassroots are now accessible in every region, ensuring that football education is no longer a privilege but a right for parents, volunteers, teachers, and anyone beginning their journey as a coach. This expansion has enabled clubs to increase participation and improve player development programs.
International cooperation has also played a key role; Albanian clubs and coaches have learned from some of Europe’s best, gaining knowledge about academy structures, coaching philosophies, and grassroots engagement.
Andi Zëre, Grassroots Football Manager at AFA, states that football in Albania is inclusive. “Football in Albania is for everyone, from girls and boys to players with disabilities, and our initiatives show that the game can unite communities and open doors for all,” he said.
Empowering clubs and communities
FSHF’s commitment to supporting the growth of clubs and local leagues has been a key part of its “Football for the Nation” strategy.
Leagues for players under 7 and under 9 have flourished thanks to financial assistance from the national federation covering essential costs—match referees, first aid equipment, and field rentals—while every registered club receives free balls for each of its teams, from youth age groups to senior squads.
A special initiative, “My Uniform,” has provided every child and young player with a complete set of playing gear completely free. This project has had a deep social and economic impact, making football more accessible and inclusive than ever before.
Infrastructure has also seen significant improvements. From field renovations to the ambitious “100 Fields” project, where AFA covers 50% of the investment, clubs now have more spaces to play, train, and develop their talent.
Special attention has been given to increasing the number of girls and women playing football, with financial incentives helping clubs attract more female players and build sustainable development programs.
To further promote gender equality, UEFA C and B level coaching courses are offered free for women, creating a new generation of qualified female coaches ready to lead the game forward.
Creating clear pathways to the top
AFA has built a continuous pathway from grassroots football to Albania’s senior national teams.
Programs like “Football in Schools” and “UEFA Playmakers” introduce the game to children who otherwise might never have the chance to play. These initiatives not only ignite a love for football but also help recruit new staff and coaches through accessible regional courses.
Supported by UEFA and FIFA, player development projects in Albania ensure that local talents, both boys and girls, can climb the ladder of success.
A pyramidal system guides players from grassroots football to the Albanian Elite Youth Academy and eventually to the national youth teams. Regional scouting and training from experienced coaches ensure that talent is nurtured and promoted, strengthening both clubs and national teams.
Inclusion and football for all
Last year, AFA launched the first official competition in Albania for football for people with disabilities. Teams from across the country joined this initiative, marking a powerful step towards truly inclusive football.
This project has opened doors for players with disabilities to experience the joy and magic of this beautiful game, showing that football is truly for everyone!
