In a landmark collaboration with the Albanian Ministry of Education and Sport, Manchester City has announced the launch of a new Manchester City Football School in Durres, Albania, set to open in the autumn of 2024.
This initiative marks a significant expansion of Manchester City’s global footprint in football education.
The Durres facility will be the latest addition to the club’s international network of football schools, now numbering eight. It is designed to provide top-tier football education, leveraging Manchester City’s acclaimed coaching methods. This venture underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of football talent on a global scale.
Parallel to the Football School, the Albanian Ministry of Education and Sport is also initiating an Elite Academy in Autumn 2024. Developed with insights from City Football Group, the Academy aims to cultivate a breeding ground for local football talents aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director of Football Education, Recreation, and Partner Clubs at City Football Group, shared her excitement about the project. “Today’s announcement of the City Football School in Albania is a milestone in our ongoing global outreach,” she stated. “Our goal is to impart our footballing philosophy and expertise to develop young talents internationally.”
Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, lauded the venture as a significant boost for Albanian sports. “The opening of the Manchester City Football School in Durres is a transformative moment for Albanian sports,” said Rama. “Coming off a year where our national team excelled in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, this partnership with Manchester City represents a new era of opportunity and inspiration for our country.”