Football is without a doubt, the most popular sport in the world.

This popular and exciting game stands as well at the very core of all sports in Peqin.

For over hundred years, the growth of football in Peqin has been the primary and paramount interest of this football loving and passionate community.

In its beginnings, football in Peqin was always played by those who had time, as a social occasion or for leisure. Initially, the skill was not the paramount; the game, and the chance to make friends and renew acquaintances was the primary objective.

The football players lived in a tight-knit community in which they played, and were organized in social groups.

Later, they started gradually to organize matches with teams of surrounding communities and cities, like Elbasan, Kavaje, Durres, Shijak, etc…

And just as the game itself improved over those one hundred years, so too has the ambition of Football Club “Shkumbini” and its exhilarating influence into the community lifestyle.   

There is always a curiosity that triggers the question:

When did football begin in Peqin? How has it developed over the years? What does the future hold for football?

Football tournament of the Fier Fair 1911 represents a significant fact of the football origin in Peqin. Records trace the history of football in Peqin back in 1911.

Here is what a 1911 newspaper wrote:

In Rahije of Fier, a big fair takes place. They had come to this fair from Tirana, Elbasan, Kavaja, Peqini, and other places. To raise the money of the land that we sellers, the peasantry, had marked the son of Mydyri. Many people gathered here, where on this occasion a sports activity took place, top`kambe (football), with teams formed by citizens and villagers coming from these cities, a total of 8 teams, which met in this new game, to win a prize, which was worth 6 gold coins.

From 7-14 April 1911, in the city of Fier, a football tournament was held, with the participation of 6 teams of that time: Tirana, Kavaja, Peqini, Fieri, Lushnja, Berat and Vlora. 8 The teams were divided into 4 pairs facing the elimination system, with one meeting each.

Then the 4 winners, meet in the semifinals and then in the finals.

All matches were played in Fier. Tirana was announced the winner of the tournament at the Fier Fair.

The cup and the award were received by the captain of Tirana, Mr. Zyber Hallulli.

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Taken from the newspaper "Zgim e C`qipëria", with director Abdyl Kadri, dated 21.04.1911, p.2, art.174.

However, it was around 1930 that football really began to take shape in this city.

From this modest beginning, the role, and associated objectives of the FC “Shkumbini” grew and changed significantly throughout the years.

In 1936, Peqin football team, while in second category, won a Cup in Durres, defeating Apollonia of Fier.

It’s in 1994-1995, that FC “Shkumbini”, through hard work and commitment of all its players and the unwavering support and enthusiasm of Peqin’s community, manages to enter the Albania Superior Category.

This remained a sublime moment that Peqin fans would wholeheartedly cherish for years to come.

History, tradition, culture, and football would be the cornerstone of their pride.

Football continued to grow and attract larger followings.

Adem Bedalli has a special contribution in creating football team in Peqin.

And so, as the FC “Shkumbini” embarks on its 100 year, the sport which it has fostered for one hundred years, continues to flourish.

And the motivations are not hard to discover.

Over the years, Peqin has produced an excellent playade of talented football players such as Bujar Cani (footballer of the Albanian National Team), Murat Bashvogli, Ali Gripshi, Petrit Ballhysa, Shpetim Kateshi, Mustafa Cani, Gugash Magani, Kujtim Kryemadhi, Sokol Branica, Vladimir Kruja, Avni Sallufi, Shaqir Sallufi, Astrit Isaj, and many other talented football players who are the pride of Peqin.

The coaches Luan Deliu, Agron Cani, Gugash Magani, Sokol Branica, Edmond Bedalli, Shyqyri Rreli, Shamil Dylgjeri, Vasil Bici, Astrit Sejdini etc… played a vital role in the success of FC “Shkumbini” throughout the years.  

People in Peqin, specifically the young generation, will continue to play football because it is fun, challenging and there is a solid tradition to follow. There is an important component of competition but also a nurturing cooperation as football players work with each other towards a common target.

Even today, Football Club “Shkumbini” remains steadfast among the best of Albanian football teams, from the year of debut in the major league.

In the last few years, FC “Shkumbini”, has experienced some blows, but the desire, passion, love for football are still dominant in this community.

Shkumbin's matches are frequently watched with high interest in " KlaudianaTV " television by the community.

Football in Peqin constantly promotes confidence in the youth, the fulfillment of the task assigned, boost social interactions as well as the capability to work co-operatively.

Peqin community is confident that Football Club “Shkumbini” will reclaim its position in the major league because football remains enrooted in the heart of everybody in Peqin.