Ristozi Academy Launches Fall 2026
Baltimore's Premier Youth Soccer Club Program Coming Soon
BALTIMORE, MD – Ristozi FC is proud to announce the launch of Ristozi Academy, set to begin operations in Fall 2026. Building on the success of our men's team – which won the NPSL East Region Championship, Mid-Atlantic Championship, and reached the National Semifinals in our inaugural 2025 season – we're bringing The Standard to youth soccer development in Baltimore.
Elite Competition from Day One
Ristozi Academy will launch with U8-U12 teams competing in the Elite Development Program (EDP), one of the most competitive youth soccer leagues in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Leadership That Wins
The academy will be led by Anesti and Francis Shkurti along with Dylan Shepherd, Head Coach of Ristozi FC and the youngest head coach in both NPSL and U.S. Open Cup history. Under his leadership, Ristozi FC achieved unprecedented success in its first competitive season, and he'll bring that same winning mentality as Director of Ristozi Academy.
Founders Anesti and Francis Shkurti, who built Ristozi FC from a vision into a championship-winning club in just three years, are committed to creating a youth pathway that reflects the club's core values: Faith, Professionalism, and Respect.
Excellence is The Standard
"We've always known youth development was part of our long-term vision," said Francis. "Baltimore's young soccer players deserve the same level of excellence, professionalism, and competitive environment that our men's team experiences. Ristozi Academy will provide that."
The academy will feature:
Licensed, elite-level coaching staff
Year-round training in professional facilities
EDP league competition against the region's best
A clear pathway from youth soccer to college and beyond
A culture built on winning, discipline, and character development
Join the Waitlist
Registration details will be announced in Spring 2026. Families interested in Ristozi Academy can join the waitlist at ristoziacademy.com to receive updates on tryout dates, registration, and program information.
For more information, contact academy@ristozifc.com
