New Partnership Between Vilnius University and Žalgiris Football Club: Stronger Focus on Student and Women’s Football

Vilnius University (VU) and the public institution Žalgiris Football Club (FC) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening ties between academia and business. The partnership will include joint initiatives promoting active engagement and knowledge exchange between the VU community and club representatives, while also placing greater emphasis on student and women’s football. 

Vilnius Žalgiris FC has deep-rooted traditions both in the capital and across Lithuania, bringing supporters together through a shared spirit of unity. Much like VU, Žalgiris can be seen as a club representing the entire country, whose achievements – even during the years of occupation – helped sustain the idea of independence.

VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, who signed the agreement, noted that the partnership will open up new opportunities to encourage greater student involvement in sport: ‘Sport has always played an important role at Vilnius University – it unites people, motivates them to pursue their goals, and allows students to continue doing what they love while building meaningful connections beyond lecture halls. As someone who has played football and follows the sport, I value this partnership with a historic club, which will help promote physical activity among students and strengthen our sports culture.’

VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas and Vilnius Žalgiris FC President Andrius Tapinas. Photo by Elvis Žaldaris.

Under the five-year agreement, both parties commit to actively participating in joint activities, launching new initiatives, sharing knowledge and experience within their respective communities, and expanding efforts to support women’s football through broader inclusion in activities and training.

Andrius Tapinas, President of Vilnius Žalgiris FC and a VU alumnus, welcomed the new opportunities: ‘From the moment I joined the club, I immediately saw Vilnius University as one of the key strategic partners for Vilnius Žalgiris. I believe we will accomplish many valuable things for both football and the academic community.’

The new partnership was symbolically announced on 5 April during the football match between Žalgiris (Vilnius) and Kauno Žalgiris. On this occasion, VU and Žalgiris (Vilnius) exchanged customised football shirts and reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a healthier, more active, and more confident Vilnius.