A new league for girls

Football is not just a sport in Kosovo, it is a way of life. The love for the game is apparent wherever you go, and it is clear that football’s popularity is set to increase among both men and women.

The Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) is working hard to develop women’s and girls’ football, a move which has been strengthened by FIFA and UEFA’s recognition of the FFK back in 2016. Kosovo already has a women’s football league made up of ten teams, and this year the FFK is also launching an Under-16 girls’ league. There will be eight teams to begin with, and hopefully more next year.

The future also looks bright for men’s football in Kosovo, with the national Under-16 boys’ team winning two of their three games at a recent UEFA development tournament hosted by the Republic of Ireland. In their first-ever international tournament, the youngsters beat Denmark 5-4 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 at the end of regular time.

In the second game they suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of the home team, losing 2-1 after a valiant effort. The young Kosovans were superb in their final game against Northern Ireland, running out 4-1 winners.

These impressive results point to a strong future ahead for Kosovan football in Europe, with the youth teams leading the way.

This article originally appeared in UEFA Direct No169