Dear Futsal Fans,

I would like to present you the info about the background and history of our club:

"Azerbaijan International Youth Club"

Azerbaijan International Youth Club (AIYC) was established in 1995 by
Freedom Support Act (FSA) alumni with the common objective of promoting and supporting young leadership of Azeri youth.

AIYC was initially supported by American Embassy, SOROS Foundation, oil companies and educational institutions in activities conducted by alumni.
These included educational support to IDP children, social measures
organized by diplomatic sector, volunteer activities, sports and cultural events, participation at international youth collaboration meeting etc.

Today AIYC is a public NGO with the membership of approximately 300 alumni as well as idea sharing youth. In terms of organizational structure it is headed by the Class Representatives Executive Board; has divisions of Publishing (Newsletter), Cultural & Educational (joint activities with humanitarian and state organizations), Sports (FC AIYC), Student Council (advising in international educational issues).

FC AIYC

FC AIYC was established on the basis of amateur indoor soccer championship when AIYC took the first place amongst 8 teams in 1997. Since the very event Football Club took a serious place in Club activity attracting support, promotion and interest of sponsorship by AIOC/ BP Statoil.

AIYC Football Club became a strong Club with a professional approach
throughout participation in a number of tournaments including Business Tournament among local and foreign companies, Cup of Azerbaijan, finishing second twice and third and fourth several times. In May 1999 FC AIYC finished first in a tournament devoted to “National Day” with the participation of the best amateur teams.

After becoming number two in July, FC AIYC walks out with a new sponsor name blue-shirt-tagged NISSAN. Under sponsorship of NISSAN representative in Azerbaijan FC AIYC won the first division of Azerbaijan in October 1999.
Becoming the best amateur team, FC AIYC earned the right to enter the
Premier Division of Azerbaijan indoor soccer. After eight match days in the Premier Division, AIYC is fourth of 11 teams. Today FC AIYC is extremely ambitious and ready to face new challenges and fight for upcoming Cups within Azerbaijan and worldwide. Today team is sponsored by the biggest telecom company in the country “Azercell”. More info about the results of the team is this season I would advise you to for at our site www.ammk-azercell.com or at the site of our close friend Mico www.futsalplanet.com in the championships part.

Indoor Football in Azerbaijan

Indoor football – officially called “futsal” – has gained greater popularity throughout the continent and consequently Azerbaijan. UEFA has established European Futsal Federation and the number of official and commercial futsal competitions took place throughout Europe during last several years.
Official World Futsal Championship takes place once in two years. By giving every nation a chance to participate in it through preliminary group competitions worldwide.

Azeri futsal team participated in the preliminary European Group 5 in
Croatia in April 2000. We are proud to highlight inclusion of two FC AIYC players into the National team. The year of 2000 – 2001 is expected to be the season of highest popularity in indoor football and therefore a great intensity of national as well as international level competitions.

The season 2000 – 2001 has started in September 2000 with the kick off of Azeri Premier League with the participation of national top 16 professional teams. This will be a full season championship starting in September and ending up in May. During the year a number of other events including Cup of Azerbaijan and many other commercial and international tournaments. The Champion of Azerbaijan and the Cup holder will represent our country in top European Club Championship which is planned to be launched at the end of season 2000 – 2001.

Currently FC AIYC is maintaining good relations with a number of various European futsal clubs being frequently invited to numerous international tournaments and we are trying to expand our relation more and more"

Of course this can look loke the promotional article, but this is really what the most popular newspaper in Azerbaijan has written in the beggining of thius season.

Best Regards
Murad Naghiyev