The new season of amateur football in Albania is set to begin with the Beach Soccer Championship, which will take place on July 26–27 in Golem, near the “Pishat e Buta” beach area. The event, now a tradition, is seen as the official kickoff of the new amateur football calendar.
In an interview with FSHF.org, the Director of Amateur Football at the Albanian Football Association (FSHF), Jurgen Demneri, emphasized the growing importance of this competition:
“The new season in amateur football starts with a tradition — as we did last year — with beach soccer, held in Golem. It will be a fresh start, where we’ll promote beach soccer with the participation of 12 teams. The event will create a fantastic atmosphere across two festive days.”
Demneri also revealed plans to expand the Beach Soccer Championship to Shkodër and Velipojë in August, and eventually to Vlora in future seasons. The long-term goal is to create a National Beach Soccer Championship, which could pave the way for Albania to field a national team and participate in international tournaments.
Major International 6x6 Football Tournament in the Works
One of the most exciting developments for Albania’s amateur football scene is a potential collaboration with the International Socca Federation to organize a major international 6x6 football tournament in Albania.
“We are in discussions to bring a major international event in partnership with the International Socca Federation,” said Demneri. “We’ve submitted a proposal to host either the European or World Championship, which would take place entirely at the ‘House of Football’ complex. The tournament could see 28 to 44 countries participating — a massive boost for amateur football in Albania.”
Sunday League and 5x5 Registration Nearly Complete
Demneri also confirmed that registrations for the Sunday League and 5x5 Championships are nearing completion.
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32 teams will take part in the upcoming Sunday League season.
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The 5x5 format is expected to feature up to 200 teams from across Albania.
Both tournaments will benefit from increased media coverage thanks to FSHF TV, which will broadcast matches live, conduct player interviews, and air a dedicated show for amateur football.
Futsal Developments: Champions League and Domestic Season
In addition to these events, the FSHF is partnering with Vllaznia Futsal to host the Preliminary Round of the Futsal Champions League in August. The domestic futsal season will resume in October, continuing Albania’s development in the small-sided version of the game.
These ambitious plans reflect the FSHF’s growing commitment to strengthening amateur football at all levels, from local leagues to the international stage — and provide new opportunities for players and fans alike to engage with the game across Albania.