Cēsis 2030
FK "Cēsis" has officially unveiled "FK Cēsis 2030" – an ambitious long-term strategic project aimed at developing the club into one of the leading football organizations in Latvia and the Baltic region, while deepening its connection with the local community.
The initiative was presented following the recent visit of club partner Ben Tilney and co-owner Kevin Doyle, who outlined a "think big, act bold" vision for the rapidly growing club's future.
The strategy sets several key goals for the coming years, including the promotion of both men's and women's first teams to Latvia's top leagues, increasing the number of academy players, creating stronger links between the academy and senior teams, and developing international opportunities and pathways for players.
Beyond football, FK "Cēsis" also plans to establish a community fund to support families, charities, arts, and cultural initiatives in the Cēsis district, while introducing scholarship opportunities for student-athletes.
Kristīne Zaķe, one of the academy's founders, described this announcement as a significant turning point in the club's development.
"I still remember when it was just an idea shared by a small group of people who believed Cēsis deserved something special. The academy has grown into much more than just a place to play football. It has become a second home for many children and families in our community," she said.
"As we continue to grow, we are excited to expand these opportunities even further through new international collaborations and player development pathways that will benefit not only our athletes but also their families."
Kevin Doyle, co-owner of the senior team, believes the project extends far beyond results on the football field.
"We are thinking big and acting boldly with 'FK Cēsis 2030'. This initiative aims to create a lasting legacy that realizes our ideas, elevates our teams to the highest level, creates opportunities for our players on the international stage, and contributes to the community that supports us."
Sports Director Roberts Cipe said that the strategy builds on the foundations laid since the club's establishment in 2023, with new partners and investors who have big ambitions, this project will be taken to completely new heights.
Marketing specialist and women's team player Karīna Martinova also emphasized that while the club's long-term vision is ambitious, it is equally important to acknowledge how much has already been achieved.
"While it's important to think about the future, it's just as important to appreciate what we've already accomplished. Our men's team recently earned a place to play in the 2nd League, we established a women's team that now competes in the women's 1st League, and our academy is already one of the largest in Latvia, thanks to the hard work of Kristīne Zaķe and all the local families and players."
It was also mentioned that the Cēsis women's team will host a friendly match, the "Four Castles International Invitational", on October 10th this year, facing the women's team of the Northern Irish club "Wellington Recreation Football Club" – one of the fastest-growing and most successful programs in the United Kingdom.
Former England youth international and FK "Cēsis" advisor Ben Tilney believes the club has everything needed to become a leader in its region.
"FK 'Cēsis' has all the tools to elevate their achievements to the next level. Their attitude and vision will not only create a center of football excellence in Latvia but will also raise the bar for the entire Baltics."
The "FK Cēsis 2030" project will be led by several key individuals at the club, including board members and club managers Kristīne Zaķe, Roberts Cipe, Joe Clements, Chris Wilkinson, and Karīna Martinova. The club also highlighted the important role of women's team head coach Džeina Eglīte and men's team head coach Andis Rozītis, thanking both for their continuous dedication to player development and describing them as key figures in implementing the initiative's long-term vision.
Beyond football, Cēsis itself is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for players and their families. The city is widely considered one of the most picturesque in Latvia, located in the heart of Gauja National Park, offering a unique combination of sports opportunities and quality of life. Cēsis is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, Cēsis Castle, the Gauja River, vast forests, and hiking trails, while two nearby ski resorts provide year-round recreational opportunities.
Founded in 2023, FK "Cēsis" is a football club based in Cēsis, Latvia. The club currently fields a men's team playing in Latvia's third-tier league, a women's team playing in Latvia's second-tier football league, and a youth academy dedicated to developing players of all ages. Built on a foundation of development, discipline, and strong community values, FK "Cēsis" aims to provide a positive environment for players while striving for long-term sporting success in Latvia and beyond. For more information, visit fkcesis.lv or follow the club on social media.
