Van launches second team: debut in Armenian First League

Van FC from Charentsavan has announced the creation of a second team — Van-2, which will participate in official competitions for the first time in the club’s history. In the 2025/26 season, Van-2 will compete in the Armenian First League.

Hayk Narimanyan, formerly the head of the club’s youth academy, has been appointed head coach of the new team. The squad has already begun preparations ahead of the tournament.

In its official statement, Van emphasized that the participation of its second team in the First League is an important and inspiring step that opens new opportunities for young academy players aiming to prove themselves at a senior level.

The formation of Van-2 complements the reshaped structure of the First League, whose lineup was approved on May 30 at the meeting of the FFA Club Licensing Committee. Following the document review, eight clubs received licenses to participate: Andranik, Bentonite, Lernayin Artsakh, Hayk, Mika, Nikarm, Olympia, and Sardarapat. The last three are newcomers to the competition.

The application of Ararat-Araks was rejected due to non-compliance with sporting criteria, particularly the lack of a required number of youth teams. The club has the right to appeal the decision.

The clubs Dovegh and Lori-Vanadzor did not submit documentation, and therefore their applications were not considered.

In addition to the mentioned clubs, the First League will also include second teams of Premier League clubs — including the newly formed Van-2.