Prof. asoc. dr.

Blerim Sylejmani

Born in Përlepnicë, Gjilan, on February 25, 1967, to father Atullah and mother Salihe. He is married to Florije Kçiku (now Sylejmani) and has three children—two daughters and one son.

He completed his primary education in Gjilan in the 1980/81 academic year, followed by secondary education at QAMO and the Dragi Popović Technical School in Gjilan, specializing in Electro-Automation, in the academic year 1984/85.

As a youth, he was an active football player for the junior team of K.F. Crvena Zvezda in Gjilan. In 1985/1986, he completed his mandatory military service, during which he also participated in many sports activities and was recognized as a distinguished football player.

In the 1986/87 academic year, he enrolled in the Mathematics-Physics program at the Higher Pedagogical School (SHLP) in Gjilan, but discontinued his studies due to his passion for football.

During the same year, he played for K.F. Bashkimi from Koretin, then briefly joined K.F. Tekstili, where he played only one match. Subsequently, he was invited to join K.F. Drita (https://fcdrita.com/), where he played as an active footballer from 1988/89 until 1995. He later became part of the first generation of players at K.F. Gjilani, where he played from 1995 to 2000.

Professional Experience and Qualifications

During his career at AAB College (https://aab-edu.net/fakultetet/kulture-fizike-dhe-sport/), Faculty of Physical Education and Sports:

  • Associate Professor of Football, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, AAB College (2023 – present)

  • Assistant Professor of Football, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, AAB College (2017 – 2023)

  • Doctor of Science (Dr. Sci.) in Football, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, AAB College (2016 – 2017)

Lecturer at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University of Prishtina (2022 – 2023)

Courses taught: Rehabilitation and Sports Injuries (Master’s level)

Teacher at the Secondary School of Economics “Marin Barleti”, Gjilan (1999 – present) (https://marinbarleti.com/)

Lecturer at “Don Bosko” College, Gjilan (2014 – 2025) (https://www.donbosko-gjilan.org/)

Education

Ph.D. in Football, University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Sarajevo
Enrolled: January 11, 2011 – Graduated: December 15, 2014
Dissertation Title: “Taxonomic Analysis of Morphological, Basic Motor, Conative, and Situational-Motor Abilities and Their Impact on the Success of Cadet Football Players”
http://www.fasto.unsa.ba/

Master’s Degree in Physical Education and Sport, University of Prishtina
Graduated: June 8, 2009
Thesis Title: “The Impact of Anthropometric and Motor Abilities on the School Performance of 16-Year-Olds”

Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, University of Prishtina
Graduated: December 29, 1995
Diploma Thesis: “Training Curriculum for the 13-Year-Old Football School”

Courses Taught as Full Professor – AAB College

Bachelor Level Courses:

  • Football

  • Research Methodology with Statistics

  • Sport Management and Marketing

  • Badminton

Master Level Courses:

  • Leadership Strategies in Team Sports (Football)

  • Advanced Aspects of Didactics with School Practic

Competitive Research Projects

Let’s PLAY Maths – Dissemination and communication on the value of sports-based games for learning mathematics among children aged 6–9 years. A European collaborative project (Erasmus+), implemented in partnership with:

Role: Project Team Member
Duration: 2025 – 2027

Previous Teaching and Academic Roles

  • Rehabilitation and Sports Injuries (Master’s), University of Prishtina (2022–2023)

Program Coordinator Roles

  • Master’s Program in Physical Education and Sport, AAB College (2017–2021 and 2025–present)

Master’s Thesis Supervision

Supervised over 40 Master’s candidates in the Physical Education and Sport program from 2017 to 2025. Several theses are currently in progress, especially in Football Science.

Lecturing and Coaching Activities

  • Licensed Badminton Coach (Level 1), BWF, Korçë, Albania (2019)

  • Lecturer, Badminton Coaching Seminars, Badminton Federation of Kosovo (2024–present)

  • Junior Football Coach, SC Gjilani (2002)

  • Head Coach, Badminton Club “Don Bosko”, Gjilan (2019–present)

  • Coach, Zenel Hajdini School Girls’ Team, ISF World Championship, Poreč, Croatia (2016)

Memberships and Honors

  • Secretary General, Badminton Federation of Kosovo (2018–present)

  • Founder, Badminton Federation of Kosovo, Prishtina (2018)

  • Founder and Head Coach, Badminton Club “Don Bosko”, Gjilan (2018–present)

  • Chairperson, Association of Physical Education and Sports Pedagogues (2009–2020)

  • Supervisory Council Member, Olympic Committee of Kosovo (2025–present)

Skills and Languages

Digital Skills: ECDL Certified – Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Internet Explorer, Outlook

Languages:

  • Albanian – Native

  • English – Fluent

  • Serbo-Croatian – Fluent

  • Bosnian – Fluent