# FFK National Educational Camp

The FFK National Educational Camp (Albanian: Kampi Edukativ Nacional i FFK-së), previously known as Hajvalia Stadium (Albanian: Stadiumi i Hajvalisë), is a stadium located in the village of Hajvalia, near Pristina, Kosovo. It serves as the training location for the Kosovo national football team, as well as the former home ground for KF Hajvalia, a dissolved club that has competed in various Kosovar football leagues. It currently has a capacity of 4,000 people.

## History

The Hajvalia Stadium, known locally as the home of KF Hajvalia, is situated in the village of Hajvalia, near Pristina, Kosovo. Its history is intertwined with the growth of football in the region, particularly following Kosovo's declaration of independence and its eventual recognition by FIFA and UEFA in the 2010s. KF Hajvalia, the club that calls this stadium home, gained attention in 2014 for offering a contract to Luis Suárez during his FIFA suspension. While primarily serving local and regional matches, the stadium has become an important gathering place for the community and reflects the evolving football culture in Kosovo. The stadium itself has undergone gradual improvements over the years, aligning with the aspirations of the club and the rising standards of Kosovar football. Despite being a smaller facility compared to major stadiums in the country, it holds a special place in the hearts of local fans and contributes significantly to the region's footballing identity.

## Key-details

Kampi Nacional (National Camp) in Kosovo is a premier football training and development center located in Hajvalia, near the capital, Pristina. Operated by the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK), it is designed to support the development of football in the country, serving as a hub for both youth and professional training activities. Here are the key details: 1. Facilities: The camp boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including several natural and artificial grass pitches, modern locker rooms, a gym, and medical facilities. These amenities meet UEFA and FIFA standards, making the camp suitable for hosting international teams and events. 2. Purpose: It serves as the primary training center for Kosovo's national football teams across various age groups. It is also used for coaching seminars, referee training, and grassroots football activities, playing a vital role in nurturing local talent. 3. Location: Situated in Hajvalia, a suburb of Pristina, the camp is easily accessible and strategically located to serve the needs of players and officials from across the country. 4. Role in Development: The camp is pivotal for the professionalization of football in Kosovo, especially after the country became a member of UEFA and FIFA in 2016. It provides young players with the resources and environment needed to reach higher competitive levels. 5. International Standards: Kampi Nacional is part of Kosovo's broader strategy to strengthen its football infrastructure, aligning with European standards to boost the country's reputation and performance in international football. Would you like more detailed information about its history or recent activities?

## Role in Kosovo football

Hajvalia Stadium is an important facility for the Kosovo national football team's training sessions. Known as the National Training Camp, it is regularly used by the team to prepare for important matches. For example, the Kosovo national team held light training sessions there before their UEFA Nations League match against Romania and ahead of a friendly match against Norway. The facility provides the team with an environment conducive to tactical preparations and physical conditioning, situated conveniently close to Pristina. In addition to its use for training, the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) is actively working on developing the site as part of a broader initiative to improve sports infrastructure. This camp is a product of UEFA-funded projects aimed at enhancing sports facilities in Kosovo. The stadium's history is closely tied to KF Hajvalia, and despite its modest size, Hajvalia Stadium remains a symbol of the local football culture in Kosovo.