Last updated : Sunday, 30 June 2024
Vlora's League
Vlora's League is an amateur football league based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The league was founded in 2012 by Adi Bilandi, a native of Albania who played for the Albanian National Under-15 team. Bilandi immigrated to the United States as a teenager and played varsity soccer at Southwest Minneapolis High School before a collegiate career at Winona St. Mary's University.
Vlora's League currently competes in the Minnesota Amateur Soccer League (MASL) in the league's first division. The league also has a team that competes in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) in the Midwest Conference – West Division.
History
Vlora's League was founded in 2012 by Adi Bilandi. Bilandi was inspired to start the league after seeing the lack of opportunities for amateur soccer players in the Twin Cities area. He wanted to create a league that would provide players with a high level of competition and a pathway to semi-professional or professional soccer.
The league's inaugural season was a success, with Vlora's FC winning the MASL Division 4 title. The league has continued to grow in popularity in the years since, and it now has over 20 teams competing in three divisions.
Mission Statement
The mission statement of Vlora's League is to "provide opportunities for players to develop and compete at higher levels." The league is committed to providing players with a high level of competition, a positive and supportive environment, and a pathway to semi-professional or professional soccer.
Accomplishments
- Vlora's FC won the MASL Division 4 title in their inaugural season (2012).
- Vlora's FC won the UPSL Midwest Conference – West Division title in 2019.
- Vlora's FC has had several players go on to play semi-professional or professional soccer.
