26/05/2025
Three years ago, when I was at Utenis, Aurimas and I were doing what we always did: thinking about how to improve the development environment for young players in Utena.
For a small club like FK Utenis, competing with teams from bigger cities—with more resources—was always a huge challenge.
We had a vision: to build a center in Utena where boys from similar backgrounds could live, study, train, and grow together. A long-term project focused on human and player development.
With support from the former CEO Arturas and the main sponsor, 11 boys were recruited and the foundation was built. The group was very young—mostly 2008/09s competing in a 2006 division—but there was belief and commitment.
Then, things changed.
Outside pressure began to mount—from people whose personal interests had nothing to do with what was best for the boys.
The main sponsor left. Staff had to step away. Some players too.
But Aurimas, Marius, and Onur never gave up.
They carried the project forward, stayed loyal to its purpose, and this season, found the right coach to lead the group—Onur.
And now, FK Utenis are national champions.
The first national title in the club’s history.
This is proof that with the right people and the right process, success can grow anywhere.
It also raises a question: how far could this project go with continued support and true patience?
I’m proud to have played a small role in the early steps of this journey, and even prouder to see how far these boys have come.
Aurimas, Marius, Onur—you are champions.
To the players: keep believing. Your dreams are possible.
