Genclerbirligi

Genclerbirligi Spor Kulubu (pronounced Turkish pronunciation: [ɟentʃˈlaɾbiɾli.i]), commonly known as Genclerbirligi, is a Turkish sports club based in Ankara. Formed in 1923, Genclerbirligi are nicknamed Ankara Ruzgari (The Wind of Ankara) or simply Gencler (The Youth). The club colours are black and red. The football team currently plays its home matches at Eryaman Stadium, following the closure of the Ankara 19 Mayis.

Domestically, the club have won the Turkish Cup twice, in 1987 and 2001. They have also won the former Turkish Football Championship twice and the regional Ankara Football League a record nine times. In Europe, Genclerbirligi's greatest success came in 2004. The club reached the fourth round of the UEFA Cup before losing to eventual champions Valencia.

History

Genclerbirligi were founded in a slightly different way compared to many other football clubs, having been established by students from a high school, Ankara Erkek Lisesi (Sultani Mektebi). The students in question (Ramiz Eren, Mennan Iz, Mazhar Atacanli, Sait, Kenan, Nuri, Namik Katoglu, Namik Ambarcioglu, Ridvan Kirmaci, Hafi Arac, Ruhi, Sari Ziya and Hakki) had failed to be selected for their own school team, and asked one of their student friends, Asim, to talk with his father about setting up a football team for them to show how well they could play.

On 14 March 1923, Asim's father, the member of parliament from Mus Province, established the team for his son and his friends. Since all the members of the team were students he chose the name 'Youth Union' (Turkish: Genclerbirligi). They elected Sari Ziya's father Faik Bey as their first chairman.

Subsequently, these young students wanted to play against the school team which had not selected them. Genclerbirligi won the game, played at "Hamit tarlasi", 3–0. According to these young rebellious players this victory forged the identity of their new team.

They won the regional Ankara Football League a record nine times between 1923 and 1959, w

This page also has a version in other languages :  Генчлербирлиги (russian)