Valmiera / BSS

Valmiera / BSS is a professional football club based in Valmiera, Latvia. Established in 2016, the club has quickly risen to prominence in Latvian football, participating in the top tier of Latvian football, the Latvian Higher League (Virsliga).

The club was formed as a result of a merger between two local clubs, Valmiera FK and BSS. The merger was aimed at creating a stronger team that could compete at the highest level of Latvian football. The club's name, Valmiera / BSS, reflects this merger, with Valmiera representing the city and BSS standing for "Baltijas Sporta Skola", or Baltic Sports School, the original name of one of the merging clubs.

Since its inception, Valmiera / BSS has shown a strong commitment to developing local talent. The club's youth academy is one of the most respected in Latvia, producing a steady stream of players who have gone on to represent the club at the senior level. This focus on youth development is a key part of the club's philosophy and has been instrumental in its rapid rise to the top of Latvian football.

Valmiera / BSS made its debut in the Latvian Higher League in 2017, just a year after its formation. Despite being a newly formed club, it quickly established itself as a competitive force in the league. The club's best season to date came in 2020 when it finished in third place, its highest ever finish in the league. This success earned the club a place in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League, marking its first ever appearance in a European competition.

The club's home ground is the Vidzeme Olympic Centre, a multi-purpose stadium located in Valmiera. With a seating capacity of 1,000, it is one of the smaller stadiums in the Latvian Higher League, but it is known for its passionate and loyal fan base.

The team's colors are blue and white, and their emblem features a stylized depiction of a football and the club's name. The club's motto, "Strength in Unity", reflects its origins as a merger of two clubs and its commitment to teamwork and cooperation.

Despite its relatively short history, Valmiera / BSS has already made a significant impact on Latvian football. The club's success on the pitch, combined with its commitment to youth development and community engagement, has made it a model for other clubs in the country. As it continues to grow and develop, Valmiera / BSS is poised to become a major force in Latvian and European football.