Latvian club FK Cēsis have officially launched FK Cēsis 2030, an ambitious long-term strategic project designed to establish the club among the leading football organizations in Latvia and the Baltic region while deepening its connection with the local community.
The initiative was presented following a recent visit from club advisor Ben Tilney and co-owner Kevin Doyle, who outlined a “think big, go big” vision for the future of the rapidly growing club.
The strategy sets out several key objectives over the coming years, including earning promotion for both the men’s and women’s first teams to Latvia’s top divisions, doubling the size of the club’s academy, creating stronger links between the academy and senior teams, and developing international pathways for players.
Beyond football, FK Cēsis also plans to establish a community foundation supporting families, charities, arts and cultural initiatives in the Cēsis region, while introducing scholarship opportunities for student-athletes.
One of the academy’s founders, Kristīne Zake in a press-release, described the announcement as an important milestone in the club’s development.
“I still remember when this was just an idea shared among a small group of people who believed Cēsis deserved something special. The academy has become much more than a place to play football. It has become a second home for so many children and families in our community,” she said.
“As we continue to grow, we’re excited to expand those opportunities even further through new international partnerships and player pathways that will benefit not only our athletes but their families as well.”
Club co-owner Kevin Doyle believes the project extends far beyond results on the pitch.
“We are thinking big and going big with FK Cēsis 2030. This initiative is about building a lasting legacy that integrates our programs, elevates our teams to the highest levels, creates opportunities for our players on the international stage, and gives back to the community that supports us.”
Sporting director Roberts Cipe said the strategy builds upon the foundations laid since the club’s establishment in 2023 and reflects the ambitions of its new ownership group and expanding international partnerships.
Media director 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 is important to plan for the future, it is equally important to recognize what we have already accomplished. Our men’s team was recently promoted, we established our women’s team which is now competing at the country’s top level, and our academy is already one of the largest in Latvia thanks to the hard work of Kristīne Zake and all the local families and players.”
Also mentioning that the Cēsis women’s team will be hosting the inaugural Four Castles International Invitational on 10 October of this year where one of the participants will be Wellington Recreation Football Club Women’s team, one of the fastest growing and successful programs in the United Kingdom from Northern Ireland.
Former England youth international and FK Cēsis advisor Ben Tilney believes the club has the foundations required to become a regional football leader.
“FK Cēsis has all the tools in place to take what they have accomplished to the next level. Their forward-thinking attitude and vision will not only create a centre of football excellence in Latvia but will raise the bar for all the Baltics.”
The FK Cēsis 2030 project will be led by several key figures within the club, including board members and club owners Karīna Martinova, Kristīne Zake, Roberts Cipe, Joe Clements and Chris Wilkinson. 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 continued dedication to player development and describing them as central figures in delivering the long-term vision of the initiative.
Beyond football, Cēsis itself is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for players and their families. Widely regarded as one of Latvia’s most picturesque towns, it sits in the heart of the Gauja National Park and offers a unique combination of sporting opportunities and quality of life. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, Cēsis Castle, the Gauja River, extensive forests and outdoor 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 competing in the Latvian Third League, a women’s side playing at the second-highest level of Latvian football, and a youth academy dedicated to developing players of all ages. Built around technical development, discipline and strong community values, FK Cēsis aims to provide a positive environment for players while pursuing long-term sporting success in Latvia and beyond. For more information, visit fkcesis.lv or follow the club on social media.
This article was produced using information and quotations from an official FK Cēsis press release.
