Helsingin Akatemia
Helsingin Akatemia (English: Academy of Helsinki) is a Finnish football team based in the capital Helsinki. Playing under mother club Athletic Football Club Emu, the team is currently competing in Seiska (the Finnish 7th division). Helsingin Akatemia's home field is Herttoniemen urheilupuisto.
History
Akatemia's founding fathers Perttu Pöyhönen, Aleksi Kumpuniemi and Kimi Juntunen (also known as PAK) had a passion for low-level football but found it hard to find a club with suitable values including active training and a team filled with great lads. Helsingin Akatemia's original working name being "Myöhempien Pyhien Aikojen Jeesuksen Helsinkiläinen Jalkapalloseura", it was originally meant to be founded as its own club. Due to hefty founding fees and notable paper work, it was however united with Athletic Football Club Emu to become their second team.
Helsingin Akatemia first enrolled in Seiska in 2011. The team plays in all whites and is commonly known as the "White Mambo". Other nicknames include "The Academics" and "Team of Hearts".
Season 2011
Helsingin Akatemia began their journey with a home match against Töölön Taisto's academy which they lost 0-4. The White Mambo gathered their first point drawing 1-1 against FC FC, Olli-Pekka Syrjäläinen scoring the team's first ever goal with a beautifully executed shot from 20 meters out. The goal was assisted by captain Perttu Pöyhönen. During their first half of the season the Academics collected a total of 1 point out of 7 matches with one goal scored and 18 conceded. The latter half of the season begun with a 2-2 draw against Kullervo/Überkleber signaling a better era. The Academics were however unable to secure their first win during the rest of the season. Ending up in 2 points they remained last in their group with a goal difference of 4-27.
Supporters and Rivalries
Helsingin Akatemia is supported by the fierce fan club Helsingin Akatemian fanit (Fans of Helsingin Akatemia). The fan club holds a Facebook page informing about matches and happenings of the team.
Helsingin Akatemia holds a friendly rivalry against its mother club AFC Emu.
Current Squad
Players
No. |
Position |
Player |
|---|---|---|
1 |
GK |
Otso Pöyhönen |
2 |
MF |
Aki Sankala |
3 |
DF |
Sampsa Salminen |
4 |
MF |
Kimi Juntunen |
5 |
FW |
Christian Hakulinen |
6 |
DF |
Olli-Pekka Syrjäläinen |
7 |
FW |
Perttu Pöyhönen (C) |
8 |
FW |
Kalle Vihma |
9 |
FW |
Juha Sillanpää |
10 |
MF |
Tommi Palomäki |
11 |
FW |
Riku |
12 |
DF |
Osmo Pöyhönen |
13 |
MF |
Chris Trotter |
14 |
DF |
Aleksi Kumpuniemi (VC) |
15 |
DF |
Pedro Camargo Aranha Lima |
16 |
DF |
Tommi Uimonen |
17 |
MF |
Erno Luukkonen |
18 |
MF |
Tatu Huovilainen |
19 |
MF |
Ville Ilmarinen |
20 |
MF |
Jyri |
21 |
MF |
Pasi Syrjäläinen |
22 |
FW |
Olli Orenius |
23 |
DF |
Eero-Matti Koivisto |
26 |
DF |
Otto |
Staff
Chairman/Manager: Perttu Pöyhönen
Public Relations: Kimi Juntunen
Member of Board Aleksi Kumpuniemi
First Team Coach: Mikko Pakarinen