Baltijos Futbolo Akademija

Baltijos Futbolo Akademija
Full nameBaltijos Futbolo Akademija
Founded2007
GroundSportima Arena
Capacity3,157
ChairmanIvan Švabovič
ManagerDavid Muslera Rodriguez
LeagueLFF I Lyga
2024LFF I Lyga, 9th
WebsiteOfficial website

Baltijos Futbolo Akademija, BFA is a Lithuanian professional football club based in Vilnius, established as an extension of the youth football academy.

History

The football academy was established in 2007. The club has been participating in the children and youth championships organized by the Lithuanian Football Federation, as well as international tournaments.

2018

The BFA took part in the LFF II Lyga championship for the first time. The team finished in eighth position, and announced that the team will seek I Lyga license.[1]

2019

The BFA did not qualify for promotion to I Lyga, however the club applied for a license anyway and after an appeal was awarded with one, having met the league criteria. The BFA entered into partnership with FK Vilnius, who offered an addition of several senior players.[2] The venture took on FK Vilnius name, which was approved by the Lithuanian Football Federation. The team was allowed to participate in I Lyga under the BFA license. The league newcomer was expected to fight for higher places in the league and possibly of promotion to the top tier A Lyga. However, the club struggled and were in the relegation zone for the first half of the season. They improved in the second half and managed to finish 11th.

2020

The club announced that the partnership with FK Vilnius is coming to an end. FK Vilnius announced that they are withdrawing from the I Lyga, and will seek the II Lyga license, whereas BFA wanted to continue in the I Lyga. In February, the I Lyga license was approved.[3][4][5]

Seasons

Season Tier League Position Web Notes
2018 3 II Lyga 8th [6] Increase Promotion to I Lyga
2019 2 I Lyga 11th [7] (as FK Vilnius)
2020 2 I Lyga 13th [8]
2021 2 I Lyga 12th [9]
2022 2 I Lyga 7th [10]
2024 2. Pirma lyga 9th [11]

Current squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Managers

  • Lithuania Domas Paulauskas (2019)
  • Lithuania Ivan Švabovič (2020)[12]
  • Lithuania Andžėj Falčik (2021)[13]
  • Lithuania Haroldas Šidlauskas (2021–2024)[14]
  • Spain David Muslera Rodriguez (December 2024–present)[15]

References