The Albania national under‑15 football team have officially commenced their training camp in preparation for the upcoming UEFA Development U‑15 Tournament, which will be hosted in Albania under the auspices of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF). With the tournament scheduled to begin on October 29, the squad has been assembled with an eye on development, competition and national pride.
Camp Begins
Head coach Genti Mahmuti has selected a 20-player roster for the event, bringing together young talents from domestic academies and clubs abroad. A portion of the squad represents the FSHF’s own “Elite Youth Academy” programme, while the remainder comprises players currently plying their trade with clubs such as Empoli FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (Wolves), S.S. Lazio, Pontedera Calcio, FC Augsburg, Atalanta B.C. and FC Sudtirol.
The amalgamation of domestic and international based players signals a broader commitment by the FSHF to raise the standards of youth football in Albania, and to provide these U-15 athletes with meaningful competitive opportunities.
Tournament Format & Opponents
The tournament features four national sides: Albania U-15, Kosovo national under‑15 football team, North Macedonia national under‑15 football team and Armenia national under‑15 football team. According to the schedule, Albania’s first match will be against Armenia on October 29 at 14:00, while Kosovo face North Macedonia at 10:30 the same day.
On October 31, Albania are set to meet North Macedonia at 14:00, and earlier that morning at 10:30, Kosovo and Armenia will clash. The final round of games takes place on November 3, with Albania vs. Kosovo at 14:00 and Armenia vs. North Macedonia at 10:00.
Developmental Significance
The UEFA Development U-15 tournament is designed to provide youth national teams with high-quality competitive exposure, enabling young players to test themselves against international peers while honing their skills in a structured environment. Albania’s role as host adds further significance: it gives the home federation a platform to showcase its youth development system and invest in the next generation of talent.
Coach Mahmuti’s decision to include players active in respected foreign academies alongside those from domestic systems indicates a dual strategy: nurture home-grown talent through academy pathways, and integrate internationally-based players who bring new experiences and training standards. The “Elite Youth Academy” programme run by the FSHF appears to be central to this strategy.
Expectations & Opportunities
For the players themselves, the tournament represents a golden opportunity to stake a claim for future national team pathways. By performing well in such a setting, they not only bolster their reputations but also attract interest from scouting networks and higher-level clubs. For the federation, strong performances will reinforce the value of their investment in youth infrastructure and talent identification.
From a broader perspective, hosting the tournament helps raise the profile of youth football in Albania, energise local football culture and inspire younger age groups. It also allows supporters to see tomorrow’s national team stars emerge at home.
Looking Ahead
As the Albanian U-15 squad begins its official preparation, all eyes will be on how they adapt to the demands of international competition. With the first outing less than a week away, fine-tuning in training, building team cohesion and mental readiness will be key.
While the results will certainly matter, the primary focus remains developmental: exposing the young players to competition, improving their tactical understanding, and reinforcing the identity of Albanian youth football. With clubs abroad represented and domestic academies involved, the balance looks promising.
The combination of home-support, organisational backing and a clear developmental mission gives Albania a solid platform to make its mark. Whether they challenge for the title or simply reap the learning rewards, this week’s camp marks a significant step in the journey of these young athletes and of Albanian football’s youth ambitions.
PORTIERË (Goalkeepers)
Besardo Ndoj
Lionel Ademi
MBROJTËS (Defenders)
Elez Elqeni
Denian Avdylaj
Kevin Muharremi
Noseld Bahushi
Romeo Hazizaj
Ergi Syziu
MESFUSHORË (Midfielders)
Kevin Kerxhaliu
Enea Cela
Alesio Gjomarkaj
Matias Mehmeti
Kledi Dida
Gean Ramadani
SULMUES (Forwards)
Leon Kajtazi
Aleksandros Shofiti
Santjago Perkola
Alessio Kopani
Samuel Prendi
Noel Lleshi
TRAJNER (Coach)
Genti Mahmudi