I grew up in Tirana, Albania, in an environment where soccer was not just a sport, but a way of life. For us, the field was a place to socialize and make friends as well as to show our personalities. I believe soccer is a game played with heart and brain, while the feet are just the tools to execute. I still remember the countless hours playing soccer with my brothers and friends wherever we could. All we needed was a ball (no matter the size and quality) and the rest we just improvised…, field, goals, rules, etc. That was the time that I fell in love with soccer, and this passion remains strong.
The passion for coaching remained hidden until a few years before I moved to the US, when I started volunteering and later worked part-time at a local academy in Tirana, gaining experience from former professional players and experienced coaches. That was a moment that I realized coaching isn’t just teaching the players how to execute a pass, shot, or an attacking/defending action, but building relationships and trust between the coach and the team to get the best out of everyone. Basically, you need to coach the human before coaching the player.
Moving to the States permanently in 2016 was the moment when I realized that I could turn coaching into a lifelong career. I think there is no better place to achieve this goal than being part of the Red Bulls organization, where my passion for the game meets the highest standards environment. I still remember the day I got the first RBYP coach role in WSSL, NYC. Coming from another country, another culture, and having a language barrier, coaching in the biggest city in the world wasn’t easy at all. But I was lucky enough to be surrounded by good colleagues and great people in the club who are still some of my best friends, alongside the support from Red Bulls that made my transition very smooth and created a comfortable environment where I felt welcomed.
The education and support I’ve got here and being exposed to a very innovative environment were crucial to help me develop and get shaped as a coach initially and later as a coach developer. Being able to work at all levels of the player pathway pyramid, all the way up to the Academy, alongside my role within the Coach Education team, allowed me to get into a unique role of getting a deep understanding of what an incredible culture and positive environment the Red Bulls have created. Whenever the coaching takes me in the future, I’m sure Red Bulls will remain a pivotal moment of my life, having a huge impact on helping me to shape myself not just as a professional but as a human being.
The unmatched reward I get from instilling the passion and joy for the game. Helping the young athletes become better players and better people, as lots of life lessons can be taught on the field.
Current Position: RBNY Academy U12 Head Coach, RBYP Coach Developer
Joined Red Bulls Youth Programs: August 2016
