The long-awaited promise to support young Albanian football players in the Preševo Valley has officially become a reality. After the latest meeting of the Executive Committee of the Albanian Football Association (FSHF), the decision to include the children of this region in the popular projects “My Uniform” and “Your Ball” was not only approved but swiftly implemented. Shortly after, an Albanian delegation traveled to Preshevë and Bujanoc, turning hope into action and reaffirming a strong commitment to the development of Albanian youth in the region.
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| Albanian children of the Preševo Valley and the AFF staff distributing uniforms, November 14, 2025 |
More Than 200 Children Registered and Equipped
A remarkable 213 children, belonging to age groups U-9 and U-11, were officially registered in the Comet system, the platform where all Albanian footballers are documented. To match the number of new registrations, the FSHF delivered 213 full football kit sets, completely free of charge.
This initiative is part of the broader and highly successful project “My Uniform,” which for the third consecutive season provides free equipment to around 20,000 young footballers across Albania, ranging from U-7 to U-19. The inclusion of the children from Preshevë and Bujanoc marks a historic milestone, proving that this support now extends beyond Albania’s borders, strengthening cultural and sporting ties.
In addition to uniforms, the FSHF also distributed free footballs to 15 youth teams in the region through the “Your Ball” project, giving young players access to proper equipment and motivation to continue training.
A Symbol of Support and Long-Term Collaboration
During the ceremony, Anila Basha held a heartfelt speech highlighting the importance of honoring promises made to the Albanian community in the Preševo Valley. She emphasized that this initiative was not a one-time gesture but the start of a long-term collaboration designed to help young talents flourish.
“On behalf of FSHF and President Armand Duka, I want to say that the promise we made during the summer has been kept. Today, we are pleased to bring the first sets of ‘My Uniform’. This is a project developed in Albania for all registered academy players, and we hope this marks the beginning of a long-lasting cooperation. We truly believe that the children here in Preshevë and Bujanoc have the potential to become future players of our National Team,”
said Basha.
Former national team midfielder Migjen Basha also addressed the children and their families, underlining the emotional value of the initiative:
“This is not just a gift—it's a symbol of support. All these boys and girls have dreams, and it is important that we encourage them. This marks the start of a promising cooperation with the FSHF. I wish all of them great success.”
Local Leaders Praise the Initiative
The gesture was deeply appreciated by local authorities. Ardita Sinani, Mayor of Preshevë, expressed her gratitude:
“I sincerely thank President Armand Duka for his dedication and sensitivity toward Albanians in the Preševo Valley and for supporting the football being developed here. I strongly believe that many of these young talents will become future players of our National Team.”
Similarly, Arbër Pajaziti, Mayor of Bujanoc, highlighted the value of the newly strengthened partnership:
“These are the first results of our signed agreement. I hope this cooperation continues and that one day we see these children representing Albania, just like our captain Gjimshiti. My heartfelt thanks to the FSHF and President Duka.”
A Step Toward a Brighter Sporting Future
The successful realization of this initiative marks a crucial step in bridging communities, promoting unity, and providing young Albanian athletes with opportunities that were previously out of reach. Projects like “My Uniform” and “Your Ball” go beyond sports—they build confidence, create connections, and inspire a new generation of footballers.
With the FSHF’s commitment, the Preshevë and Bujanoc region is now firmly integrated into the broader Albanian football family. The smiles of the children receiving their first official kits serve as a powerful reminder: when promises are kept, dreams begin to grow.