Stadium in Biržai (Biržų centrinis stadionas)Širvėna lake in winter time
Futbolo klubas Širvėna, commonly known as Širvėna, is a Lithuanianfootball club located in Biržai, center of Biržai District. They played in the II Lyga, Western zone, the third tier of Lithuanian football from 2013 to 2018. In Soviet occupations, it was in Pirma lyga (second tier).[2]
History
Club was created in 1948 as part of the republican sports union "Žalgiris". From 1954 club was renamed "Siūlas" by the sponsorship reasons.
During the Soviet occupation in Lithuania, the ownership and sponsorship of the club was consistently changing.
The team's "Silver age" was five seasons, year after year, when in 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957 became runners-up in "B" klasė (second tier) championship.
In 1978 and 1984 seasons in team played currently well known football manager Saulius Širmelis.
In 1990, the club was resurrected. In 1991 changed name to Širvėna. From 2003 a general sponsor was "Rinkuškiai" brewery. For sponsorship reasons club was renamed to "Rinkuškiai".
In 2013 club come back to II Lyga, Western zone, the third tier of Lithuanian football.
Before 2015 season head of the club promised fight for medals.[1]
In 2015, the club won the Western zone and had chances play in Pirma lyga (2nd tier), but they stayed in II Lyga.
In 2019 passed any competition and LFF Cup tournament.
What means Širvėna name
Lake Širvėna in Biržai. This lake is not natural. When was built Biržai Castle on the Agluona and Apaščia rivers at their confluence, and the artificial Lake Širvėna, covering about 40 km2, was created. Major castle building works were finished in 1589.[3]
First time club was renamed Širvėna in 1965. Second time in 1991 and last time in 2013.
Historical names
1948 – Žalgiris
1954 – Siūlas
1955 – Kooperatininkas
1957 – MTS
1959 – MMS
1960 – Siūlas
1963 – Vairas
1965 – Širvėna
1968 – Siūlas
1972 – Statybininkas
1975 – Nemunas
1977 – Medis
1979 – Statybininkas
1980 – Medis
1987 – Rovėja
1991 – Širvėna
2003 – Rinkuškiai
2013 – Širvėna
Honours
The club's honours in soviet occupation period (Played in "B" klasė (second tier) and in an independent Lithuania period (since 1990).
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
