Albanian Ajax School
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| Full name | Albanian Ajax School | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 20 August 2012 | ||
| Dissolved | 10 September 2022, merged with KFF Laçi | ||
| Ground | Kompleksi Sportive Albanian Ajax School, Shkodër | ||
| Capacity | 500 | ||
| Chairman | Arben Haveri | ||
| League | Women's National Championship | ||
| 2017–18 | Women's National Championship, 6th | ||
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Albanian Ajax School is a sports academy located in Shkodër, Albania. The club's most notable team is their women's team who compete in the Women's National Championship.[1] The club has a partnership with Dutch giants Ajax FC.[2]
History
During the late 1990s, the Norwegian organization Norsk Nodhjelp initiated the creation of a non-profit NGO called "The Door," aimed at providing hope for people in need. "The Door" began its activities by distributing aid to families in Shkodër and the surrounding region. Later, it focused on the "Kosovo crisis", primarily offering services to children traumatized by the war. The name "The Door" translates to "dera" in Albanian, symbolizing a door of support and hope for everyone, regardless of age, gender or status.
In the mid-2000s, "The Door" started organizing football teams for boys and girls, prioritizing younger ages. On 20 April 2007, a professional women's team was officially established. Like other women's football teams in the region, "The Door" faced initial challenges but continued its journey undeterred. Kastriot Faci managed the club's sports program during this time.
The club has participated in several international tournaments, competing in Norway under coach Fatmir Axhani and later in Italy, Kosovo, and other locations. Notable achievements include taking second place in the "Kaçanik Liberation Cup" and participating in the "International Independence Cup," where they competed against Brescia from Italy, led by coach Saimir Keçi.
Several players from "The Door" have gone on to represent the Albania national football team, including goalkeeper Brilanta Kokiçi, Fatjona Borova, Ornela Smajli, Erida Bajrakurtaj and captain Marsela Djegesina, a yearly contender for the championship's golden boot award. American Megan Sasman, who came to Shkodër with her husband as a Peace Corps volunteer, also played for the team, alongside fellow Americans Cathleen Gustafson, Francis Anderson, and Trisha Elizabeth, who were among the first foreigners playing in the women's league. Over time, players from neighboring countries and distant Africa also joined the ranks of the club.
References
- ^ "SALTO-YOUTH - Otlas - the partner-finding tool - Otlas - Albanian Ajax School". www.salto-youth.net.
- ^ Kola, Gjergj. ""Albanian Ajax School", mbyll një vit të suksesshëm". shkodrasport.com.
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