Founded with just €130 and a powerful belief in equality, FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy has become one of Kosovo’s most inspiring girls’ football programs. Led by founder Sedat Limani and elite coach Tina Kallaba, the academy proves that opportunity, not resources, builds champions.
Key Takeaways
- FC 2 Korriku Girls Academy was founded with only €130 and a mission to offer free football access to girls
- The academy provides free training, equipment, and participation to all players
- Coach Tina Kallaba brings UEFA and FIFA-level experience and leadership
- The club has won national and international titles despite limited resources
- The academy champions inclusion, empowerment, and community support
FC 2 Korriku Girls Academy: Building Kosovo’s Future
A quiet revolution is unfolding in Prishtina.
Not one backed by massive budgets or modern stadiums, but one fueled by belief, persistence, and the simple idea that girls deserve equal access to football. FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy is not just a football club. It is a movement that challenges norms, opens doors, and builds futures for girls who were once told the pitch was not for them.
Founded with only €130, one parent, and one determined daughter, the academy has grown into one of Kosovo’s most successful and inspiring girls’ football programs. Its story is proof that when opportunity meets commitment, change follows.
Quick Profile
Organization: FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy
Founded by: Sedat Limani
Location: Prishtina, Kosovo
Focus: Girls’ football, youth development, inclusion
Founded: 2022
Cost to players: Free participation and equipment
From a Father’s Support to a Community Mission
The story of FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy began with a simple moment: a father taking his daughter to football training.
Sedat Limani noticed immediately how passionate his daughter Etna was about the game. But he also saw something else. There were very few girls on the field. Even fewer had access to proper coaching, equipment, or safe spaces to train. The barriers were not talent or interest, but opportunity.
“What started as support for my daughter quickly became a responsibility to support all girls,” Limani has shared.
With no sponsors, no institutional backing, and only €130 in personal savings, he launched FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy in 2022. The mission was clear from day one: football should be accessible to every girl, regardless of background or financial means.
Training sessions were offered completely free. Equipment was provided at no cost. Participation fees did not exist. For many families, this was the first time football felt possible.
Etna’s Role and the Growth of a Movement
Etna was among the first players, but she quickly became something more than a participant. She became a symbol of the academy’s values: courage, confidence, and belief.
As word spread, more families joined. Girls came from underserved communities, from schools with limited sports programs, and from households that simply needed someone to believe in their daughters. The academy became a safe space where girls could grow, compete, and lead.
What started with a handful of players soon grew into dozens — and then into structured teams competing at the national level.
The Impact of Coach Tina Kallaba
A key pillar of the academy’s success is Coach Tina Kallaba, one of the most respected figures in women’s football in Kosovo.
Tina’s journey itself breaks stereotypes. From the futsal courts of Kosovo to becoming a UEFA and FIFA referee, she has officiated at elite international tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup in the Philippines. Her presence brings professionalism, discipline, and inspiration to the academy.
For the girls, she represents possibility.
“She shows us that leadership and international success are achievable,” players often say.
Under her guidance, the academy emphasizes not only technical skill, but confidence, respect, teamwork, and self-belief.
Launching Success Against the Odds
Despite competing against clubs with far greater financial and infrastructural resources, FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy began achieving results that surprised even experienced football observers.
Major Achievements:
- Champion, Independence Tournament (FFK) – 2022
- 2nd Place, International Girls Football Festival, Croatia – 2023 (52+ European clubs)
- Champion, Independence Tournament (FC 2 Korriku) – 2023
- 2nd Place, Kosovo National Championship U15 – 2023/2024
- 2nd Place, Kosovo National Championship U15 – 2024/2025
- Champion, Kosovo National Championship U17 – 2024/2025
- Champion, Germany Cup International Tournament U17 – 2025
These victories are not just trophies. They are evidence that equal access creates equal potential.
More Than Football: Inclusion and Empowerment
While championships matter, the academy’s deepest impact is seen beyond the pitch.
Many players joined shy and unsure of themselves. Over time, they became leaders — at school, in their families, and in their communities. Football became a tool for personal growth.
One of the most powerful stories is that of a girl with one arm who joined the academy. Her determination and love for the game quickly made her a symbol of inclusion and resilience.
Her presence sends a clear message: football is for everyone.
Community Support and Institutional Recognition
FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy has grown into a community-driven initiative. Parents volunteer their time. Local sponsors contribute when possible. Sedat Limani continues to personally cover major costs, including travel, meals, and training needs, ensuring no girl is ever excluded.
The academy’s impact has also been recognized by major institutions, including:
- UNFPA
- UNDP
- Ministry of Sports
- Municipality of Prishtina
- Football Federation of Kosovo
These partnerships support programs promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and well-being through sport.
The Albanian Diaspora and a Shared Responsibility
For Albanians in the diaspora, FC 2 Korriku represents something familiar: building something meaningful with limited resources but unlimited commitment.
The academy stands as a reminder that investing in youth, especially girls, is one of the most powerful ways to shape a nation’s future. Its success resonates beyond Kosovo, inspiring Albanians worldwide to support grassroots initiatives that create real change.
Future Plans and a Bold Vision
The vision for FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy is ambitious but clear.
Looking ahead, the academy aims to:
- Expand structured training programs
- Improve infrastructure and facilities
- Develop professional pathways for elite players
- Compete consistently at international levels
The long-term dream is to see players rise to Kosovo’s elite leagues and ultimately reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League by 2027.
Conclusion
From a €130 idea to a nationally recognized force, FC 2 Korriku – Girls Academy proves what belief, leadership, and community can achieve. It has created a home for girls like Etna, a platform for leaders like Tina, and a future filled with possibility.
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FAQs
How did FC 2 Korriku Girls Academy start?
The academy was founded in 2022 by Sedat Limani with only €130, inspired by his daughter Etna’s passion for football and the lack of opportunities for girls in Kosovo.
Who leads FC 2 Korriku Girls Academy?
The academy is led by founder Sedat Limani and coached by Tina Kallaba, a UEFA and FIFA referee with international experience.
Is FC 2 Korriku Girls Academy free for players?
Yes. Training sessions, equipment, and participation are completely free to ensure equal access for all girls.
What age groups does the academy support?
The academy works with youth teams including U15 and U17, competing at national and international levels.
What makes this academy different from others?
Its focus on inclusion, free access, professional coaching, and community support sets it apart.
How has the academy impacted girls in Kosovo?
It has increased confidence, leadership, and opportunities for girls who previously lacked access to organized sports.
Does the academy compete internationally?
Yes. FC 2 Korriku has competed and won at international tournaments in Croatia and Germany.
How can the diaspora support FC 2 Korriku?
By sharing their story, supporting grassroots initiatives, and investing in youth and women’s sports development.
Author: Dardane Halimi
Marketing Specialist
