Football Academy of Šiauliai: A History of Growth and Competition
The Football Academy of Šiauliai represents a significant hub for athletic development in Lithuania. Established in 2007, the academy was formed through the strategic merger of Napolis Šiauliai and the "Klevas" school of sport, combining resources to foster football talent in the region.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2007 via merger of Napolis Šiauliai and "Klevas" school of sport.
- Men's Team Name: FA Šiauliai.
- Highest League Reach: Applied for A Lyga (top tier) license in 2021.
- Futsal Presence: Competes in the Futsal A Lyga since the 2019-2020 season.
The Evolution of the Men's Team
Competing under the name FA Šiauliai, the men's team has steadily climbed the ranks of the Lithuanian football league system. Their journey began in the lower tiers, participating in the Šiauliai region championship of the III Lyga (the 4th tier of Lithuanian football) during 2010 and 2016.
The club transitioned to the II Lyga (3rd tier) in 2017 and 2018. During this period, they demonstrated consistent growth, securing a 4th place finish in 2017 and a 6th place finish in 2018.
[no image]
Cup Competition and League Advancement
In the 2018 Lithuanian Football Cup, FA Šiauliai faced a challenging 1/32 round match against FK Sūduva, resulting in a 0:7 defeat.
The year 2019 marked a pivotal moment for the club. Despite finishing 6th in the II Lyga in 2018, FA Šiauliai applied for a license to compete in the I Lyga (2nd tier). Although they initially failed to meet the strict licensing criteria, the club was granted an exception. This allowed them to compete in the 2019 LFF I Lyga, where they successfully finished in 6th position.
Continuing their upward trajectory, FA Šiauliai applied for a license to enter the A Lyga—the top tier of Lithuanian professional football—in 2021 for the first time in the club's history.
Diversification into Futsal
Beyond traditional grass football, the academy has expanded its reach into indoor sports. The FA Šiauliai men's futsal team officially joined the Futsal A Lyga, the premier division for futsal in Lithuania, starting with the 2019-2020 season.
[no image]
Club Performance Summary
| Season/Year | League/Competition | Tier | Result/Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010, 2016 | III Lyga (Regional) | 4th | Participated |
| 2017 | II Lyga | 3rd | 4th Place |
| 2018 | II Lyga | 3rd | 6th Place |
| 2019 | LFF I Lyga | 2nd | 6th Place |
| 2021 | A Lyga Application | 1st | Applied for License |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Football Academy of Šiauliai founded?
The academy was established in 2007 following a merger between Napolis Šiauliai and the "Klevas" school of sport.
What is the highest league FA Šiauliai has applied to join?
In 2021, the club applied for a license to play in the A Lyga, which is the top tier of the Lithuanian football league system.
How did the team perform in the 2019 I Lyga?
Despite initial licensing difficulties, the club was granted an exception to play in the 2019 LFF I Lyga and finished the season in 6th position.
Does the academy have a futsal team?
Yes, the FA Šiauliai men's futsal team has been competing in the top division, the Futsal A Lyga, since the 2019-2020 season.
What happened during the 2018 Lithuanian Football Cup?
FA Šiauliai competed in the 1/32 round of the tournament, where they lost 0:7 to FK Sūduva.