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Albano Dede

Albano Dede Bio 2017

Born and raised in Kucove, Albania. Growing up in a country where Futbol was the only sport played, it allowed me to advance my skills at a very young age. Started playing soccer when I was just 4 years old. Most of my soccer skills have come from playing in the streets of Albania. On certain days, shoes were not even a thing because we did not always have those. Playing outside all day gave me a sense of relief from school and other situations. Life was not easy growing up in a poor country. Even if you had the skills or were just as good as someone who made it Pro, it was tough to be noticed. Not a lot a players make it out of Albania. Those that had the chance, moved away to places like Greece, Switzerland, Italy, England, and Germany.

I joined my first club team at the age of five. My father was the one who got me involved with soccer. I started my soccer career with the local soccer club. Played as a striker for a few years but my coach saw something in me that I did not at that point in my life. He said, “You are a good striker but you will be an even better left defender”. I was born a right-footed player with very little left footed skills. As time went on, my soccer skills kept getting better. At some point, my left foot was more powerful than my right foot. Dedication to this game and hard work made it all possible.

My soccer career in Albania ended at the age of 10 . After 5 years playing with the local club, my family and I decided to move to the United States of America. We moved to St. Louis, Mo. At this point, in my life, I did not speak the language and the change of scenery was not easy. Had to learn the language quickly because it was not easy at school. I started played indoor soccer, which was different for me because I was used to playing outdoor. This was a new experience but it was still futbol so I was ok with it. I continued my soccer passion in USA.

After middle school, I attended Imagine College Prep High School in St. Louis. This was a new charter school and unfortunately, they did not have organized soccer. I wanted to play so bad but the opportunity was not there. I loved sports so no matter what, I was going to play something. I joined the Football team. Having played soccer helped me so much with other sports. I played Varsity football for 4 years at the high school. My soccer skills helped me a lot because I decided that place kicking and punting is what I wanted to do. This position was very close to soccer but not quite the same. As time went on, I kept getting better and better. At some point, it was like a piece of cake. Made it to the top 25 athletes in St. Louis my senior year of high school.

Graduated high school and decision time for college was arriving quickly. I had narrowed it down to two schools. Both schools were located in Iowa. I was offered a football scholarship to a NAIA school and a soccer scholarship at a D2 school. Unfortunately, I had to make a financial decision at this point so I chose to pursue football instead of soccer. I played 4 years at Graceland University in Iowa.

After college, I decided to move down to Florida and pursue a career in teaching, and coaching young adults. I hoped to bring my life’s experiences and passion of soccer to a Florida Club. I started teaching and coaching at Gateway High School. Being the assistant head coach of the girls’ soccer team has also taught me a lot about myself and the value of education/HS athletics. I live ever day to the fullest. I hope to inspire young athletes to pursue higher education and to follow their dreams. Let know one tell you are the smallest thus cannot succeed.

Coaching at Gateway gave me the opportunity to join St. Cloud Soccer Club and help lead the 14U boys’ team to a Division 3 Championship. Placed 2nd in the Austin Tindell tournament. Finished in the top eight teams in Division 2 Region B of the Commissioners Cup. The team holds a record of 14-3-3.