Children from Albanian communities across Wales will walk out with the Albania team at Cymru’s FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier in Wrexham on Tuesday (14 April).
The FAW has worked with the Albanian Kosovan Cultural Association Wales to arrange the opportunity. The Association is a not-for-profit constituted charity which was founded in 2023 to promote, remember and show respect to Albanian and Kosovan heritage and its adopted home Wales. The 2021 census recorded 715 people born in Albania that were living in Wales, a figure now believed to be around 1,000.
Many of the families live in the Cardiff area and have done so for more than 25 years, with the Association holding fortnightly community sessions including Albanian language classes and cultural activities such as traditional Albanian dancing and supplementary interactive sessions to help advance children’s Albanian language.
The majority of the mascots that will be walking out with the Albania team come from the Cardiff area and play football for grassroots clubs which include Maindy Corries FC, AFC Rumney and Caerau Ely FC.
Speaking about the opportunity, the Chairman of the Albanian Kosovan Cultural Association Wales, Ilirjan Allamani said. “It means a lot to us. As Albanians living abroad, representing Albania is a big honour. It makes us feel proud and keeps us connected to our roots. For the children, it’s very special. It helps them understand where they come from and feel part of something bigger. We are very grateful for the opportunity.”