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Football Club Shirak[1] (Armenian: Շիրակ Ֆուտբոլային Ակումբ), commonly known as Shirak, is an Armenian professional sports club based in Gyumri. Shirak is known for its professional football team which is one of the oldest football clubs in Armenia, having been created in 1958. The club is the only team that participated in all seasons of the Armenian Premier League since its creation in 1992 until 2021. Shirak is one of the more successful clubs in Armenia, having won a total of 11 domestic titles including four Armenian Premier League titles,[2] two Armenian Cup,[3] and five Armenian Super Cup.

Key Information

Shirak has yet to qualify for an international tournament playoff round, yet frequently plays UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League qualifying matches.

Shirak's home stadium is the 4,500 seater Gyumri City Stadium, the oldest venue in Armenia. Shirak's youth academy has also produced successful players, including Artur Petrosyan and Harutyun Vardanyan.

History

[edit]

Shirak was founded in Gyumri in 1958, when Armenia was still a part of the Soviet Union. The club was originally named Shirak Leninakan, the latter being the name for Gyumri during the Soviet Union.[4] From its creation to the fall of the Soviet Union, Shirak played all its matches in the Soviet third division First League.

Following the fall of the Soviet Union and the renaming of Leninakan, Shirak changed its name to Shirak Kumayri, and was placed in the Armenian Premier League with head coach Andranik Adamyan in charge.

1992 was the first Armenian Premier League season played in history, which ended with Shirak and Pyunik tied at the top with 37 points each. After failing to agree on a tie-breaking match, it was decided to award the title to both teams.[5] Thus, Shirak managed to win the league in the first domestic league in Armenian history.

Shirak once again changed its name in late 1992 after the name Kumayri was changed for Gyumri. Therefore 1993 was the first appearance as Shirak Gyumri in the Armenian Premier League. After finishing second in the 1993 league season, Shirak qualified to the Armenian Cup final for the first time, yet failed to claim the title after losing 3–1 to Ararat.

Shirak went on to win the 1994 and 1995 seasons, however was not given the 1995 title due to it being a transitional spring season.[6]

The next four seasons were not successful for the club, however Shirak managed to claim the league title again in 1999, with striker Arayik Adamyan scoring 16 goals.[7] The league title would end up being the last title Shirak would win until the 2011–12 Armenian Cup.

Shirak would eventually go on to win the 2012–13 Armenian Premier League and the 2016–17 Armenian Cup final.

Domestic history since 1992

[edit]
Season League National Cup Top goalscorer Manager
Div. Pos. Pl. W D L GS GA P Name League
1992 Armenian Premier League 1st 22 17 3 2 58 14 37 Semi-final Armenia Grigor Grigoryan 19 Armenia Andranik Adamyan
1993 2nd 28 24 1 3 101 20 49 Runner-up Armenia Abraham Khashmanyan 14
1994 1st 28 24 4 0 83 19 52 Runner-up Armenia Artur Petrosyan 15
1995 1st 10 7 3 0 23 6 24 Semi-final Armenia Hovhannes Tahmazyan Armenia Samvel Nikolyan Armenia Grigor Grigoryan 4
1995–96 2nd 22 16 3 3 67 23 51 Semi-final Armenia Arayik Adamyan 15
1996–97 4th 22 15 2 5 57 11 47 Quarter-final Armenia Artur Petrosyan 11
1997 2nd 18 12 5 1 46 8 41 Not held Armenia Artur Petrosyan 18
1998 2nd 26 19 4 3 72 25 61 Quarter-final Armenia Arayik Adamyan 13
1999 1st 32 23 4 5 93 29 73 Runner-up Armenia Arayik Adamyan 16
2000 3rd 28 17 7 4 64 21 58 Quarter-final Armenia Artur Petrosyan 15
2001 4th 22 14 5 3 52 19 47 Semi-final Armenia Ararat Harutyunyan Armenia Tigran Davtyan 9
2002 2nd 22 16 3 3 49 15 51 Quarter-final Armenia Ararat Harutyunyan 10
2003 3rd 28 17 2 9 63 34 53 Semi-final Armenia Tigran Davtyan 15
2004 8th 28 4 9 15 27 49 21 Semi-final Armenia Yervand Hakobyan 7
2005 8th 18 3 3 12 19 36 12 Quarter-final Armenia Karen G. Khachatryan Armenia Andranik Barikyan 5 Armenia Zhora Barseghyan
2006 7th 28 4 7 17 21 64 19 Quarter-final Armenia Ara Mkrtchyan 5
2007 6th 28 9 7 12 27 37 34 Quarter-final Armenia Artyom Bernetsyan 7
2008 7th 28 5 4 19 15 40 19 Quarter-final Armenia Andranik Barikyan 4
2009 6th 28 5 8 15 24 55 23 Quarter-final Armenia Andranik Barikyan 8
2010 8th 28 2 4 22 22 68 10 Quarter-final Armenia Mkrtich Nalbandyan 9 Armenia Vardan Bichakhchyan
2011 7th 28 6 7 15 27 42 25 Runner-up Armenia Andranik Barikyan 10 Armenia Samvel Petrosyan
2011–12 Only Cup competition was held Winner Armenia Vardan Bichakhchyan
2012–13 1st 42 26 10 6 70 38 88 Runner-up Senegal Yoro Lamine Ly 18
2013–14 2nd 28 13 8 7 48 31 47 Quarter-final Ivory Coast Serges Déblé 15
2014–15 3rd 28 14 7 7 51 32 49 Quarter-final Ivory Coast Jean-Jacques Bougouhi 21
2015–16 2nd 28 15 7 6 41 27 52 Quarter-final Ivory Coast Konan Odilon Kouakou 6
2016–17 3rd 30 16 5 9 31 24 53 Winner Armenia Viulen Ayvazyan 8
2017–18 4th 30 14 8 8 37 31 38 Semi-final Ivory Coast Moussa Bakayoko 7
2018–19 7th 32 7 15 10 26 30 36 First round Ivory Coast Moussa Bakayoko Armenia Aram Muradyan 4
2019–20 4th 28 13 7 8 40 30 46 Second round Ivory Coast Mory Kone 23
2020–21 9th 24 2 7 15 19 53 13 First round Armenia Artyom Mikaelyan, Serbia Igor Stanojević, Armenia Arman Aslanyan 2 Armenia Tigran Davtyan
2021–22 Armenian First League 2nd 28 22 3 3 83 19 69 First round Armenia Artem Gevorgyan 12
2022–23 Armenian Premier League 7th 36 10 6 20 25 55 36 Runner-up Ivory Coast Moussa Bakayoko 7
2023–24 8th 36 8 9 19 28 46 33 Semi-final Ivory Coast Donald Kodia 6
2024–25 7th 30 10 5 15 30 50 35 Second round Armenia Lyova Mryan 5

European

[edit]
As of match played 27 August 2020
Competition Pld W D L GF GA GD
UEFA Champions League 6 1 3 2 6 5 +1
UEFA Cup & UEFA Europa League 29 4 5 20 15 53 –38
UEFA Intertoto Cup 4 1 1 2 7 10 –3
Total 39 6 9 24 28 68 –40
Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
1995–96 UEFA Cup PR Poland Zagłębie Lubin 0–1 0–0 0–1
1996–97 UEFA Cup PR Cyprus Anorthosis Famagusta 2–2 0–4 2–6
1998–99 UEFA Cup 1Q Sweden Malmö 0–2 0–5 0–7
1999–00 UEFA Cup 1Q Finland HJK Helsinki 1–0 0–2 1–2
2000–01 UEFA Champions League 1Q Belarus BATE Borisov 1–1 1–2 2–3
2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup 1R Hungary Tatabánya 1–3 3–2 4–5
2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup 1R Portugal Santa Clara 3–3 0–2 3–5
2003–04 UEFA Cup QR Denmark Nordsjælland Farum 0–2 0–4 0–6
2004–05 UEFA Cup 1Q Moldova Tiraspol 1–2 0–2 1–4
2012–13 UEFA Europa League 1Q Montenegro Rudar Pljevlja 1–1 1–0 2–1
2Q Israel Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv 0–1 0–2 0–3
2013–14 UEFA Champions League 1Q San Marino Tre Penne 3–0 0–1 3–1
2Q Serbia Partizan Belgrade 1–1 0–0 1–1
2014–15 UEFA Europa League 1Q Kazakhstan Shakhter Karagandy 1–2 0–4 1–6
2015–16 UEFA Europa League 1Q Bosnia and Herzegovina HŠK Zrinjski Mostar 2–0 1–2 3–2
2Q Sweden AIK Fotboll 0–2 0–2 0–4
2016–17 UEFA Europa League 1Q Georgia (country) Dila Gori 1–0 (aet) 0–1 1–1 (4–1 p)
2Q Slovakia Spartak Trnava 1–1 0–2 1–3
2017–18 UEFA Europa League 1Q Slovenia Gorica 0–2 2–2 2–4
2020–21 UEFA Europa League 1Q Romania FCSB — 0–3 —

Kit and badge

[edit]

For most of the club's history, the team's colours were orange and black, inspired by the dominant colours present in Gyumri's architecture, specifically the Holy Saviour's Church, located in the city.

As of 2019, Shirak has reached an agreement with Swiss sportswear company Fourteen to provide all match and training apparel.

Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

[edit]
Period Kit Manufacturer Shirt Sponsors
2005–11 Kappa Gyumri Beer
2012–14 Kappa Sovrano, Fine
2014 Adidas
2014–15 VTB Bank
2015–16 Anelik Bank
2016–17 Menu.am
2017–18 TotoGaming
2018–19
2019– Fourteen

Badge

[edit]

The club's current badge design was inspired by Gyumri's seal, with the main feature being the lion and cross which were present on the flag of the Bagratuni dynasty, which ruled Bagratid Armenia during the Middle Ages.

Stadium

[edit]
Main article: Gyumri City Stadium
Gyumri City Stadium

Shirak's home stadium has always been the Gyumri City Stadium, built in 1924 and currently the oldest football stadium in the country. Following renovation works in 1999, the stadium became an all-seater stadium with a capacity for 2,844. The stadium pitch and facilities were upgraded in 2012 to meet all UEFA stadium regulations, allowing Shirak to play its UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League qualifying matches at home.

The stadium capacity was once again increased, this time to the current 4,500 capacity following a second round of renovations in 2019. These renovations included new seating in the south end of the stadium.[8]

List of stadiums used by the club

[edit]

Supporters

[edit]

Shirak's fans are known as the Black Panthers, in honor of the panther that appears on the flag of the Bagratid dynasty. Shirak's supporters are also considered to be one of the best in Armenian football, with high match attendance and active supporters during matches. Supporters have rioted against club management when the club failed to reach desired results in the past.

Rivalries

[edit]

Shirak's main rival is considered to be Gandzasar. This rivalry grew as both teams were the only teams in the league that weren't from Yerevan, and thus competed to be the best team from the provinces.[9]

Players

[edit]
For all former and current Shirak SC players with a Wikipedia article, see Category:Shirak SC players.

Current squad

[edit]
As of 11 August 2024

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  SRB Darko Vukašinović
2 DF  ARM Hovhannes Pahlevanyan
4 DF  ARM Hamlet Mnatsakanyan
5 DF  ARM Hrayr Mkoyan (captain)
6 MF  ARM Rafik Misakyan
7 DF  ARM Seryozha Urushanyan
8 MF  ARM Levon Darbinyan
9 FW  ARM Lyova Mryan
10 FW  ARM Razmik Hakobyan
11 MF  ARM Sergey Manukyan
18 MF  ARM Samvel Ghukasyan
20 MF  ARM Rudik Mkrtchyan
21 FW  CIV Donald Kodia
No. Pos. Nation Player
23 FW  ARM Emil Papikyan
25 DF  ARM Gagik Akulyan
26 DF  SRB Aleksa Vidić
44 DF  ARM Tigran Sumbulyan
47 MF  ARM Albert Darbinyan
55 GK  ARM Lyova Karapetyan
57 FW  ARM Albert Gareginyan
77 FW  CIV Mory Kone
88 DF  ARM Yuri Vardanyan
96 GK  ARM Sokrat Hovhannisyan
97 FW  CIV Cedric Doh
99 DF  ARM Robert Darbinyan

Out on loan

[edit]

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF  ARM Mher Tarloyan (at BKMA until 30 June 2025)

Technical staff

[edit]
Position Name
Head coach Armenia Vardan Bichakhchyan
First Assistant Coach Armenia Felix Khojoyan
Assistant coach Armenia Hovhannes Tahmazyan
Goalkeepers Coach Armenia Artur Hovhannisyan
Team Manager Armenia Ararat Harutyunyan
Masseur Armenia Armen Sukiasyan
Translator Armenia Harutyun Harutyunyan
Shirak-2 Coach Armenia Tigran Davtyan

Institutional

[edit]

Executive board

[edit]

Arman Sahakyan has been the President of Shirak since he purchased the club in 2010.[10]

Staff

[edit]
  • Technical director: Georgi Matevosyan
  • Sporting director: Andranik Adamyan
  • Press Secretary: Arman Maloyan
  • Administrator: Suren Simonyan

Honours

[edit]

Domestic

[edit]

League

[edit]

Cup

[edit]

Other sports sections

[edit]
See also: Shirak SC Futsal and Shirak SC Basketball

Football reserves and academy

[edit]

Shirak's youth academy has produced several notable players throughout its history. Artur Petrosyan is the most prominent academy product, having a successful career in Armenia and European football.

Shirak's reserves compete in the Armenian First League, the second division in Armenian football. The reserves are currently coached by Tigran Davtyan and also play their matches at the Gyumri City Stadium.

Futsal

[edit]

On 8 September 2017, prior to the beginning of the 2017–18 Armenian Futsal Premier League season, Shirak Sports Club took over the Gyumri Futsal club, who were a founding member of the domestic futsal championship in Armenia which began in 1998. As a result, the futsal team was re-branded as Shirak SC Futsal.[11]

Basketball

[edit]

On 19 September 2017, Shirak announced the creation of a basketball team that would compete in the newly created Armenia Basketball League A.[12]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shirak SC

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shirak SC, officially known as Football Club Shirak, is a professional association football club based in , . Founded in 1958 during the Soviet era, when the city was known as Leninakan, the club initially competed in lower divisions of the Soviet football system and briefly operated under the name Olympia in the 1970s. It is one of Armenia's oldest continuously active football clubs and has been a mainstay in the top flight since the establishment of the in 1992, participating in every season until 2021. The club plays its home matches at Gyumri City Stadium, a venue with a capacity of around 3,000 spectators that has served as Shirak's base since its inception. Known for its red and blue colors, Shirak SC has established itself as one of the most successful teams in Armenian football, securing four titles in the seasons 1991–92, 1993–94, 1998–99, and 2012–13. Additionally, it has won the Armenian twice, in 2011–12 and 2016–17, and claimed the Armenian on six occasions: 1996–97, 1999–2000, 2003–04, 2013–14, 2017–18, and 2023–24. Shirak SC has also represented in European competitions, regularly qualifying for the preliminary rounds of the and , though it has yet to advance to the group stages. As of the 2025–26 season, the club continues to compete in the , with recent fixtures including a 0–0 draw against Ararat on November 9, 2025. Despite facing financial challenges in recent years, Shirak remains a symbol of regional pride in and contributes to the development of football in northern .

History

Soviet era

Shirak SC was founded in 1958 in Leninakan (now ), Armenian SSR, as Shirak Leninakan, initially competing in regional Soviet tournaments within the Soviet football structure. The club entered the national league system shortly thereafter, debuting in the Soviet Class B in 1960, where it achieved a strong third-place finish in Zone Union Republics-I after 30 matches, recording 18 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, with 54 goals scored and 30 conceded for 41 points. From the onward, Shirak participated consistently in the Soviet First and Second Leagues, experiencing several promotions and relegations during the and 1980s. The club underwent a to Olimpiya Leninakan between and , reflecting shifts in Soviet sports administration, before reverting to Shirak in . A highlight came in in the Second League Zone IX, where it secured fourth place with 18 wins, 2 draws, and 12 losses across 32 matches, netting 68 goals while conceding 35 for 38 points. In 1985, following a promotion, Shirak competed in the First League, finishing with 9 wins, 3 draws, and 18 losses in 30 games, scoring 31 goals and conceding 55 for 21 points. Over its Soviet-era tenure, Shirak played hundreds of matches in the lower tiers, with its highest league finish being in the 1960 Class B. The club served as a talent incubator, producing early Soviet stars such as striker Levon Ishtoyan, who began his professional career at Shirak before transferring to Ararat Yerevan and contributing to their 1973 triumph, and defender Artak Zanazanyan, another key recruit from the club who captained Ararat during its successful campaigns. The devastating 1988 Spitak earthquake, centered near Leninakan and causing widespread destruction in the region, disrupted club operations in the final years of the Soviet period, though Shirak continued competing in the Second League through 1990 and 1991.

Post-independence domestic competitions

Following Armenia's from the , Shirak SC entered the inaugural 1992 season, where they finished tied on 37 points with Homenetmen to share the first-ever national championship. The club secured its first outright title in , topping the standings ahead of Ararat after a 28-match season that highlighted their early dominance in the post-independence era. In the 1995 transitional spring season, Shirak won their group in the competitive league format that included groups, though there was no outright champion. After a period of mid-table finishes, Shirak reclaimed the title in 1999, leading the 10-team league with 73 points from 32 matches and a of +64, underscoring their attacking prowess with 93 goals scored. In cup competitions, Shirak achieved their first Armenian Cup victory in the 2011–12 season, defeating Impuls 1–0 in the final held on April 29, 2012, in , with Yoro Lamine scoring the decisive goal in the 37th minute. The club added a second cup triumph in the 2016–17 edition, beating Pyunik 3–0 in the final on May 4, 2017, to complete a domestic double after finishing second in the league that year. Shirak's fortunes fluctuated in the , with a notable league success in the 2012–13 season, where they clinched the after switching to a fall-spring calendar and finishing atop the 10-team standings. However, challenges arose in the campaign, where Shirak finished last with only 10 points from 30 matches, leading to relegation to the First League for the first time since . In the 2021–22 First League, they secured second place behind Lernayin Artsakh, earning promotion back to the top flight via . Since returning, Shirak has maintained a presence in the , recording a mid-table seventh-place finish in the 2024–25 season, which concluded on May 28, 2025, with 36 points from 30 matches and a balanced tally of 38 scored and 45 conceded. In the ongoing 2025–26 season, as of November 15, 2025, Shirak sits ninth in the 10-team league after 12 matches, with 6 points from 1 win, 3 draws, and 8 losses, having scored 12 while conceding 25. Their most recent result was a 0–0 draw away to Ararat Yerevan on November 9, 2025, extending an unbeaten run in their last three fixtures. Shirak has been one of Armenia's most consistent top-tier clubs since .

European competitions

Shirak SC first participated in European competitions during the preliminary round, marking the club's entry into continental football following Armenia's . The club has since competed primarily in the qualifying stages of tournaments, accumulating 35 matches across the and with 4 wins, 9 draws, and 22 losses. These appearances have been earned through domestic league and cup successes, providing Shirak with opportunities to face teams from across , though the club has yet to advance to the group stages of any competition. The club's most notable campaign came in the , where Shirak reached the second qualifying round after progressing from the first round against San Marino's Tre Penne (3–1 aggregate). They recorded 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss in four matches that season, including a 1–1 home draw and 0–1 away loss to Belarusian side in the second round. This represented Shirak's deepest run in the Champions League, highlighting their competitive edge in early qualifiers. Earlier, in the 2000–01 season, Shirak entered the intermediate round but managed only a draw before elimination. Overall in the Champions League, Shirak has played 6 matches, scoring 4 goals and conceding 6. In the UEFA Europa League, Shirak has had more frequent involvement, with participations spanning from 1995–96 to 2020–21, totaling 29 matches, 3 wins, 6 draws, and 20 losses. Key campaigns include the 2012–13 season, where the club advanced to the second qualifying round after defeating FK Velež Mostar (2–1 aggregate), only to fall to Sweden's IFK Göteborg (1–3 aggregate). Another strong showing was in 2015–16, reaching the second qualifying round with a win over Kazakhstan's FC Taraz (2–1 aggregate), before elimination by Croatia's Hajduk Split (0–2 aggregate). The 2016–17 season saw Shirak progress from the first qualifying round on penalties against Georgia's FC Dila Gori (1–1 aggregate), but they exited in the second round against Albania's KF Laçi (1–2 aggregate). Home games have been a strength, with Shirak unbeaten in several early rounds, though away fixtures have often proven challenging, contributing to a goals scored tally of 24 against 58 conceded in the competition. Shirak's European efforts have featured contributions from key players, such as forward Vardan Antonian, who scored in qualifiers during the 2010s, and midfielder , who netted crucial goals in Europa League ties. The club's overall European record reflects resilience in domestic qualification but limited progression due to stronger opponents, with a win rate of approximately 11%. Recent seasons have seen continued qualifier attempts, including a first qualifying round exit to Romania's in 2020–21 (0–3). As of 2025, Shirak has not advanced beyond the second qualifying round in any tournament.
CompetitionMatches PlayedWinsDrawsLossesGoals ForGoals Against
613246
2936202458
Total3549222864

Club identity

Colours, badge, and kit evolution

Shirak SC's traditional colours are orange and black, reflecting the distinctive volcanic used extensively in 's , where black and orange hues dominate many historic buildings and structures. The club's current badge, adopted in the following Armenia's , features a stylized holding a cross on an orange-and-black shield, drawing inspiration from the seal of and the historical flag of the , which symbolized strength, royalty, and regional heritage in . During the Soviet era, the club's emblem incorporated standard communist iconography, including the , aligning with the broader visual identity of sports teams in the USSR. The home kit has remained consistent with orange shirts accented in black, paired with black shorts, emphasizing the club's core colours since its post-independence . Away kits have shown variations, such as all-black ensembles for contrast or white bases for versatility in matches, while third kits emerged in the to incorporate additional design elements like subtle Armenian cultural motifs, such as geometric patterns inspired by local stonework. These evolutions maintain a connection to Gyumri's heritage while adapting to modern football aesthetics.

Kit suppliers and sponsors

Shirak SC has partnered with several kit manufacturers over its history. From its early years through 2014, the club used as its primary kit supplier. took over from 2014 to 2019, providing match and training apparel during a period that included the club's 2013 title win. In 2020, the club switched to 14Fourteen, a Swiss-based sportswear brand specializing in custom collections, which supplied kits until 2024. returned as the main supplier starting in the 2024-25 season and continues into 2025-26, featuring designs like the home kit with traditional orange and black colors. The club's shirt sponsorships have featured local and financial institutions. During the mid-2000s to early , Gyumri Beer, a prominent local established in 1970, served as a key sponsor, supporting the team's operations and visibility in . In 2014, Bank VTB (Armenia), a of the Russian , became an official sponsor, marking a significant that included friendly matches and branding support. Sponsors typically appear on the front of the shirt, sleeves, and back, with changes aligned to seasonal kit releases, though specific placements for recent seasons remain consistent with standard football conventions. Commercial partnerships have contributed to the club's revenue, particularly through kit sales and sponsorship deals following infrastructure improvements like stadium renovations in the late . While exact figures are not publicly detailed, these agreements have helped sustain operations for a club with a modest budget in the .

Facilities

Primary stadium

Gyumri City Stadium, located in , , serves as the primary home venue for Shirak SC. Constructed in 1924, it holds the distinction of being the oldest football stadium in the country and has hosted the club's matches since its founding in 1958. The stadium underwent renovations in 1999, which contributed to its current configuration as an all-seater facility. The venue features a natural grass surface measuring 105 meters by 68 meters, with no surrounding the pitch. Its stands at 2,844, accommodating fans for domestic games and occasional European qualifiers. Owned by the City municipality, the stadium is situated at Ozanyan Street 6 and remains a central element of the club's operations despite its modest size compared to modern arenas. Historically, the stadium has endured significant challenges, including the widespread destruction in from the 1988 Spitak earthquake, which devastated the region but saw the venue repaired to continue hosting football activities in the post-Soviet era.

Other used venues

In addition to its primary stadium, Shirak SC has relied on several alternative venues for home matches, training, and youth development, often due to capacity needs, infrastructure issues, or logistical reasons. For European competitions, Shirak has occasionally hosted qualifiers at the in to meet capacity and facility requirements. Training activities for the first team are primarily conducted at the City Stadium complex, but the youth and reserve teams have used the Ozanyan Sports Complex in since the for regular sessions and development programs, offering dedicated pitches for age-group training. Historically, before the establishment of the City Stadium in 1924, football in Leninakan (now ) was played on informal fields in the , laying the groundwork for local clubs like Shirak's predecessors. As of November 2025, no major changes have been reported in these secondary venues, with the club continuing to prioritize local facilities for training while reserving options for high-profile or constrained domestic and European fixtures.

Fanbase and culture

Supporters groups

The supporters of Shirak SC are known as the Black Panthers, a nickname derived from the panther symbol on the of the Bagratid dynasty associated with the Shirak region. The Black Panthers, established as the primary organized supporters group, has gained recognition for its elaborate choreographed displays, , and dedicated travel to away matches across to cheer the team. Fan culture at Shirak SC matches is vibrant and deeply rooted in Gyumri's heritage, featuring rhythmic chants in Armenian that often reference the city's resilient and local landmarks like the Black Fortress, alongside large banners showcasing regional pride. In the 2025 season, average home attendance has been approximately 500 spectators, reflecting strong local engagement despite the modest capacity of City Stadium. The fanbase is predominantly composed of local Gyumri residents, who form the core of matchday crowds and community events, supplemented by support from the in countries like , the , and , who follow games via broadcasts and .

Rivalries

Shirak SC's primary rivalry is with Gandzasar Kapan, fueled by the clubs representing distinct regional identities in —Shirak from the northern city of and Gandzasar from the southern town of —as the leading provincial teams outside the capital. This competition gained intensity during the through tight league title contests, including the 2012–13 season where Shirak secured the championship ahead of challengers like Gandzasar, highlighted by key encounters such as Shirak's 2–1 victory over Gandzasar on 17 June 2012 and a 0–0 draw on 17 March 2013. The two sides have faced off 64 times in competitive matches, with each team holding 20 wins alongside 24 draws. Another significant rivalry exists with Pyunik Yerevan, embodying the classic matchup between the capital's dominant club and a provincial powerhouse like Shirak. This fixture underscores broader tensions between Yerevan-based teams and those from the regions, with over 89 head-to-head encounters recorded, Pyunik leading 52–22 with 15 draws and Shirak securing approximately 25% of victories. A memorable clash occurred in the 2017 Armenian Cup final, where Shirak defeated Pyunik 3–0, securing the trophy. Shirak also maintains a notable rivalry with (formerly known as FC), originating from intense cup competitions in the , including Mika's 4–1 win over Shirak in the 2011 Armenian Cup final. The clubs have met 80 times, with claiming 35 victories to Shirak's 21 and the rest draws, often featuring high-stakes knockout battles that heightened their antagonism. These derbies typically draw increased attendance and create charged atmospheres among fans, with supporters contributing to vibrant matchday tensions, though no major incidents have been reported as of 2025. Overall, Shirak's rivalries have elevated the competitiveness of the by fostering intense regional and provincial pride, drawing larger crowds and spotlighting the depth beyond clubs.

Current personnel

First-team squad

As of November 2025, Shirak SC's first-team squad comprises 24 players with an average age of 24.0 years, including 4 foreign players who account for 16.7% of the roster. The squad's total market value stands at €2.85 million, reflecting a young and developing group with limited international experience. No players from the current roster hold active positions in the Armenian national team. The goalkeepers include Sokrat Hovhannisyan (29, ) and Lyova Karapetyan (24, ), providing a mix of experience and youth in the position. In defense, the group features Mnatsakanyan (23, , centre-back), Aleksa Vidic (31, , centre-back import), Tigran Sumbulyan (20, ), Hovhannes Pahlevanyan (20, ), Gagik Akulyan (20, ), Robert Darbinyan (30, /Russia), Mher Tarloyan (20, ), and Samvel Ghukasyan (23, ). This backline emphasizes emerging Armenian talents alongside the experienced Serbian defender Vidic. The midfield is anchored by Rafik Misakyan (25, ), who serves as a central creative figure, alongside Rudik Mkrtchyan (27, ), Levon Darbinyan (23, , box-to-box midfielder), (21, ), Aleksanyan (19, ), Sergey Manukyan (21, ), Seryozha Urushanyan (28, ), Vardan Tovmasyan (20, ), and Grigor Ghumashyan (21, /). Misakyan has been a standout performer, leading the team's scoring in the early 2025/26 season with 3 goals. Up front, the forwards consist of Donald Alvine Kodia (22, Côte d'Ivoire, striker), Razmik Hakobyan (29, , winger), Lyova Mryan (25, ), Jesse Akila (23, ), and Emil Papikyan (18, ). Kodia and Akila represent key attacking threats from abroad, contributing to the squad's goal-scoring efforts alongside the versatile Hakobyan and Mryan, who has netted 2 goals so far this season.

Players on loan

As of November 2025, Shirak SC has no first-team players on . Historically, Shirak SC has employed as a key strategy for developing young talent, often sending prospects to domestic clubs in the or First League for regular playing time. For instance, in the 2024/25 season, right-back Mher Tarloyan, aged 20, was loaned to BKMA Yerevan until 30 June 2025, where he featured in competitive matches before returning to bolster the senior squad. The club's policy prioritizes youth integration into professional environments, with terms typically lasting six to twelve months and destinations focused on allied or lower-tier Armenian teams to prepare players for demands; such moves have averaged 1-2 outgoing loans per season in recent years, emphasizing long-term squad depth over immediate first-team contributions. Returns from these loans, like Tarloyan's in summer 2025, have supported rotational options in defense, though performance metrics vary by individual adaptation.

Coaching staff

The coaching staff of Shirak SC consists primarily of Armenian professionals with longstanding ties to the club, focusing on first-team technical and support roles. The head coach is Arsen Hovhannisyan, a 36-year-old Armenian native of appointed on July 1, 2025, replacing Rafael Nazaryan following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Hovhannisyan, a former player and coach with the club's , employs a tactical style centered on a 4-1-4-1 formation to emphasize defensive organization and counter-attacks. Under his tenure, Shirak has focused on survival in the , recording 1 win, 3 draws, and 8 losses in the opening 12 matches of the 2025-26 season, placing the team ninth and at risk of relegation. Assisting Hovhannisyan are two key deputies: Vardan Pavleyan, the 37-year-old first assistant manager appointed in July 2021, who handles tactical preparation and youth player integration from the club's academy; and , a 45-year-old assistant manager since August 2023, specializing in set-piece strategies. The goalkeeping coach is Norayr Abrahamyan, aged 40, who joined in July 2020 and oversees specialized training for the team's custodians, drawing on his experience as a former professional . Additional support includes fitness trainer Hovhannes Tahmazyan, a 55-year-old club veteran appointed in July 2011, responsible for physical conditioning and programs. The medical team is led by a staff physician with expertise in , though specific names are not publicly detailed; this unit manages player health and rehabilitation in coordination with executive oversight. Post the 2025 summer changes, the staff has remained stable, with no further alterations reported as of November 2025, allowing focus on mid-season improvements amid the team's challenging league position.

Organization and management

Executive leadership

Arman Sahakyan has served as president of Shirak SC since acquiring the club in 2010. A businessman heading the , Sahakyan brings a background in media, having previously been elected as a deputy in the representing the 35th from to 2017. Rouben Hakobyan acts as executive director, managing operational and administrative functions for the club based in . Appointed in a role since at least the early 2010s, Hakobyan coordinates with the (FFA) on club matters. The executive board consists of key figures like the president and director, with input from local stakeholders to maintain ties to the community, though specific membership details remain limited in . As of 2025, no significant shifts have occurred, despite the club's reported financial pressures. Sahakyan primarily oversees sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and FFA interactions, while Hakobyan focuses on talent scouting and transfer oversight.

Ownership and administration

During the Soviet era, Shirak SC was established in 1958 in Leninakan (now ) as a state-controlled entity within the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic's sports system, participating in lower divisions of the Soviet football leagues until 's independence in 1991. Following , the club underwent privatization in the mid-1990s amid broader economic reforms in , registering as a (LLC) on July 20, 1995, under local investor oversight to sustain operations in the newly formed . In 2010, amid ongoing financial difficulties that had plagued the club in preceding years, ownership transitioned to the Sovrano LLC group led by businessman Sahakyan, who acquired a majority stake and assumed the role of president, injecting stability and resources to prevent potential dissolution. Administratively, Shirak SC operates as a (LLC) compliant with Armenian sports regulations, with its structured around a board that convenes regular meetings to oversee strategic decisions, , and compliance with national and international standards. Key milestones include the resolution of a near-bankruptcy around 2008–2010 via municipal assistance and the subsequent ownership change, as well as post-withdrawal in 2022 to refocus on youth development and cost efficiency following voluntary withdrawal from the . In 2023, Shirak achieved UEFA club licensing, enabling eligibility for European competitions subject to sporting merit, marking a significant step in administrative maturation. As of November 2025, despite ongoing financial challenges, the club continues to compete in the .

Achievements

League titles

Shirak SC has won the a total of four times, with one title shared, establishing the club as one of the most successful in post-independence Armenian football. The club's first championship came in the inaugural 1992 season following Armenia's independence from the , marking their initial major honor in the new era. Competing in a format with group stages and a final championship round, Shirak tied on points with Homenetmen after both finished with 37 points and +44 in the decisive group, leading to a shared title. This success qualified Shirak for European competition, enhancing their early prestige. In 1994, Shirak claimed their second title as sole winners, dominating the league with an unbeaten record across 28 matches, securing 24 victories, 4 draws, and no losses while scoring 83 goals and conceding just 19. This emphatic performance, the highest points tally of 52 in a single-round robin with 14 teams, solidified their status as champions and earned another berth in . Shirak's third league triumph arrived in 1999 amid Armenia's ongoing economic hardships in the post-Soviet transition period, including and regional conflicts that strained resources for clubs outside the capital. Finishing atop the 32-match season with 23 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses for 73 points and a +64 (93-29), they edged Ararat by a single point, demonstrating resilience and securing qualification for the qualifiers. The most recent title came in the 2012–13 season, Shirak's fourth overall, after a tightly contested campaign where they clinched the championship on May 3, 2013, with a 1-0 victory away at rivals Pyunik , combined with Mika's 2–1 loss to Banants elsewhere, securing the title two matches early despite a close points race that highlighted as a deciding factor throughout. Under coach Vardan Bichakhchyan's tactical guidance, Shirak amassed 88 points from 42 matches (26 wins, 10 draws, 6 losses, 70-38 goals), finishing 9 points clear of Mika. Each of these league victories not only boosted Shirak's domestic prestige but also granted entry into the qualifying rounds, providing opportunities for international exposure and financial benefits during periods of limited resources for the club.

Cup and Super Cup honours

Shirak SC has achieved notable success in the Armenian Cup, securing two titles that marked significant milestones in the club's history. The first victory came in the 2011–12 season, when Shirak defeated Impuls 1–0 in the final held on 29 2012 at the City Stadium, with Yoro Lamine Ly scoring the decisive goal in the 38th minute. This triumph ended a run of four previous final losses and qualified Shirak for the first qualifying round. The club's path to the title included a challenging semi-final against , where Shirak advanced with a 2–1 aggregate victory after a 0–1 away loss and a 2–1 home win. The second Armenian Cup win occurred in the 2016–17 edition, with Shirak claiming a 3–0 victory over Pyunik in the final on 24 May 2017 at the Republican Stadium in . This result also earned a spot in the qualifiers and contributed to momentum that supported Shirak's strong performances in subsequent domestic competitions. In the semi-finals, Shirak overcame Gandzasar with a 2–1 aggregate, securing a 1–0 away win in the first leg followed by a 1–1 home draw. Despite these successes, Shirak has appeared in the Armenian Cup final six times as runners-up, highlighting the club's consistent competitiveness in knockout formats. Early final defeats came against Ararat Yerevan in 1993 (3–1 loss) and 1994 (1–0 loss), followed by a 3–2 extra-time loss to Tsement Ararat in 1999. More recent runners-up finishes include losses to in 2011 (4–1), Pyunik in 2013 (1–0), and in 2023 (2–1). These appearances underscore Shirak's frequent deep runs in the competition, though only the two wins have yielded silverware.
SeasonOpponentResultVenueScorers (Shirak)
2011–12Impuls1–0 City StadiumYoro Lamine Ly (38')
2016–17Pyunik3–0Republican Stadium, Kyrian Nwabueze (6'), (28'), Narek Aslanyan (o.g., 38')
In the Armenian , Shirak holds a record of six titles, establishing the club as one of the competition's most decorated participants. The , contested annually between the Armenian champions and Armenian Cup winners (or runners-up if overlap occurs), has seen Shirak prevail in 1996 (3–1 over Pyunik), 1999 (2–1 after extra time against Tsement Ararat), 2003 (2–1 over Pyunik), 2013 (2–0 over Pyunik), 2017 (2–0 over Alashkert), and most recently in 2023 (0–0, 6–5 on against at the Hakob Tonoyan Stadium in Armavir). The 2023 victory, Shirak's latest, came as runners-up in the previous season's Cup and demonstrated resilience in a after a goalless draw. Shirak has also reached the Super Cup final once as runners-up, losing 1–1 (4–3 on ) to Tsement Ararat in 1998. These cup and achievements have provided Shirak with crucial qualification for European competitions, enhancing the club's profile and offering valuable experience against international opponents. Notably, the 2011–12 Armenian Cup success propelled Shirak to win the title, illustrating how knockout triumphs can build broader seasonal momentum.
YearOpponentResultVenueNotes
1996Pyunik3–1N/ALeague champions vs. Cup winners
1999Tsement Ararat2–1 (a.e.t.)N/AAfter extra time
2003Pyunik2–1N/AN/A
2013Pyunik2–0Mika Stadium, Goals by Narek Aghekyan (45') and Davit Manoyan (, 90+3')
2017Alashkert2–0Republican Stadium, Goals by Artur Miranyan (35', 58')
20230–0 (6–5 pen.)Hakob Tonoyan Stadium, Armavir

Affiliated teams

Reserve and youth academy

Shirak SC's reserve team, known as Shirak-2, competes in the , the country's second-tier professional football competition, providing a competitive platform for emerging talent to develop alongside the senior squad. The team has been a fixture in the league since at least the 2014–15 season, participating regularly to bridge the gap between youth development and first-team integration. As of November 2025, Shirak-2 occupies 16th position in the 2025–26 standings after 15 matches, with 2 wins, 3 draws, and 10 losses, accumulating 9 points and a of 18–48. Home matches are hosted at the club's facilities on Ozanyan Street in , which include access to the historic Gyumri City Stadium, a multi-purpose venue with a capacity of 2,844 seats and natural grass pitch measuring 105m x 68m. The club's youth academy, centered in Gyumri, forms a core part of Shirak SC's commitment to talent cultivation, fielding teams across multiple age categories such as U18 in the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) organized youth leagues. Established to foster local football potential, the academy structure includes competitive squads at levels like U17 and U15, though formal operations date back to broader FFA-supported initiatives in the mid-2000s. Funding and oversight are primarily provided by the FFA, which has integrated the program into its national youth development framework. In May 2025, amid severe financial challenges facing the club—including threats of closure or relegation—Shirak SC transferred management of the Gyumri Football Academy back to the FFA, ensuring its continuity as a nominal FFA-owned entity while allowing the club limited involvement. Shirak SC's development philosophy prioritizes progression, with an emphasis on annual and integration of young players into higher levels, including occasional promotions to the reserve and first teams. Training occurs at dedicated pitches within the Gyumri Football Academy and surrounding facilities in . The academy has contributed to the senior team's roster through youth promotions; for instance, several U18 graduates have featured in First League matches for Shirak-2. Notable alumni include players like Artur Petrosyan, a former national team midfielder who began his career with Shirak SC in and later coached at the club, representing the pathway from local youth ranks to professional levels. Key successes of the reserve and youth setup include Shirak-2's strong performance in the 2021–22 Armenian First League season, where the team finished second with 69 points from 28 matches (22 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses), tying on points with champions Lernayin Artsakh and securing promotion opportunities for standout performers. The program has also seen competitive achievements in FFA youth tournaments, with U19-level squads participating in national cups, though specific 2025 wins remain unconfirmed in public records. These efforts underscore Shirak SC's role in Armenian football development despite ongoing administrative and financial hurdles.

Futsal and basketball sections

Shirak SC's section, operating as Shirak SC Futsal, was integrated into the club in 2017, though the team originated in 1998 as Gyumri Futsal, becoming one of the founding members of the Armenian Futsal Premier League. The team competes in the Armenian Futsal Premier League, with home matches held at the Aram Sargsyan Sports Hall in , a venue with a capacity of around 350 spectators. The section shares the club's branding, facilities, and administrative resources with other affiliates, fostering a unified sports ecosystem within the organization. The team, known as Shirak, participates in the Armenian Basketball A League (Division 1), drawing primarily from local talent in . The team emphasizes community involvement and homegrown athletes. These non-football sections integrate closely with the club's broader structure, incorporating cross-training programs for football youth academy players to enhance agility and endurance through futsal drills, while initiatives support community outreach events in schools and neighborhoods. This holistic approach strengthens Shirak SC's role as a pillar of local sports development, with occasional shared events promoting inter-sport collaboration.

References

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