Eris Tafaj (born September 10, 1980) is an Albanian former footballer who played in the Canadian Professional/Soccer League, and Albanian Superliga. He is currently a trainer and coach with Eurostar Football Academy and Elite Development Soccer Academy.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ervis Tafaj | ||
| Date of birth | (1980-09-10) 10 September 1980 (age 42) | ||
| Place of birth | Albania | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Partizani FK | |||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2000 | Oakland Golden Grizzlies | ||
| 2001–2002 | Detroit Mercy Titans | 38 | (12) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2003–2005 | London City | ||
| 2005–2006 | Shkumbini | 8 | (0) |
| 2006 | London City | ||
| 2011 | London City | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Tafaj played at the youth level with Partizani FK, but ultimately settled in Canada at the age of 14.[1] In 2000, he began to play at the college level with the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.[2] In 2001, he transferred to play with the Detroit Titans.[3] In 2003, he played in the Canadian Professional Soccer League with London City.[4] Throughout the 2003 season he helped London secure the Open Canada Cup, where he successfully registered a goal in the penalty shoot-out.[5] At the conclusion of the season he finished as the club's top goalscorer, and team MVP.[6]
In 2005, he was selected for the CPSL All-Star team against Glasgow Rangers.[7] After leading London in the scoring charts he was transferred to KS Shkumbini in the Albanian Superliga.[8][9][10][11] After a season abroad he returned to London, and was selected for the second time to the CSL All-Star team against Clyde F.C.[7] In the middle of the season he departed from the club, but would eventually return for the 2011 season.[12][13]
After retiring from professional he was recruited by former London City head coach Luka Shaqiri as a staff coach for Eurostar Football Academy.[14] Along with former teammate Isa Bulku he formed Elite Development Soccer Academy.[1]
London City