Chairman Arnar Einarsson Website Club home page Founded 1973 | Ground Capacity 1,025 2016 1. deild karla, 7th League 1. deild karla Ground Reykjavik | |
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Leiknir is an Icelandic football club that plays in 1. deild karla, the second tier of Icelandic football. The club was founded in 1973 and is based in Breiðholt, Reykjavík. In 2014 the club placed 1st in the 1. deild karla and won a promotion to the Úrvalsdeild, however after just one season they were relegated to back to the first division. Their home is Leiknisvöllur, where they have played since their early years. The club's motto is "Pride of Breiðholt".
Contents
The club runs a youth setup in its district for children aged 6–18. The club is renowned for playing many homegrown players and developing young players. Currently the majority of their players are homegrown. Leiknir also has a basketball and karate division. The basketball team also plays in the lower leagues of the Icelandic basketball ladder, although the club does not run youth programs for basketball.
History
The club was founded in the Reykjavík district of Efra-Breiðholt on May 17, 1973, serving the Berg, Hólar and Fell neighborhoods. The club was founded by parents in the neighborhoods who were unhappy with the options their kids had to participate in sports. From the start the club ran many sport programs. Youth department for Basketball, Handball, track and fields and gymnastics were all part of the club but from the year 2002 the club only had football. In winter 2010 the club opened up a Karate department and it is still in full function even though Leiknir is considered to be a football club.
In February 2013 the club won the Reykjavik Cup (Reykjavíkurmótið) for the first time in its history, defeating KR 3–2 in the final.
In Leiknir's first topflight season the underdogs started well, winning eventual cup winners Valur convincingly at Hlíðarendi, though Leiknir was largely disappointing and were relegated with games to spare.
Facilities
The whole Leiknir area is newly renovated and is in excellent condition. In 2008 the club opened its new facilities which replaced the old cabin that had served as the club's office and dressing facility since 1987. The current facilities are a 700 sqm club house, artificial turf with heat, main stadium and total of 4 practice grounds. One practice ground is called Þorsteins-völlur, named on 7 September 2012 in memory of 9 year old Þorsteinn Björnsson, a former player of the youth department in Leiknir.
The club has access to a swimming pool and a gymnasium located next to the Leiknir area.
Support
The club's anthem is In the Ghetto made famous by Elvis Presley and is played before every home game.
Rivalry
Leiknir's main rivals are their neighbours ÍR. Leiknir and ÍR are the only football clubs in Breiðholt and they represent two different areas of the neighbourhood. Those games tend to be very interesting. The club's record against ÍR in more recent times is very favorable.
League
Cups
Current squad
As of 11 August 2016Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.