Burgas United – this is the name of one of the most interesting and dynamically developing amateur football clubs in Burgas. Founded in 2024, the team did not appear as just another local side, but as an international group of people from different countries, united by one shared passion – football and fair play in a friendly atmosphere.
The idea at the beginning was simple: a group of amateurs decided to train regularly, stay in shape and play quality football without unnecessary pressure, but with respect for each other and for their opponents. Gradually, however – training after training – this project grew into something much bigger: a desire to take part in city tournaments, enter a competitive environment and become an active part of the sporting life of Burgas.
From training idea to ambitious club
Burgas United is not a club created “from above” – it comes from the pitch, from the real need of people who want to play regularly and in an organised way. Many of the players are foreigners who live and work in Burgas, others are Bulgarians, but what unites them is that they see sport as a means of communication and integration, not as a field for division.
The team’s main principle is clear – sport is beyond politics. On the pitch there are no nationalities, dividing lines or geopolitics – there is only football, respect and team spirit. This message is what makes Burgas United different and recognisable among the other amateur clubs in the city.
First successes and results
Even though the club is very young, Burgas United already has achievements to note in its history. The team has won one of the local summer cup tournaments, reached third place in a championship and delivers stable and competitive performances against well-prepared opponents. These results are no coincidence – they are the product of regular training, discipline and the desire to play intelligent, modern football.
The level of amateur tournaments in Burgas is impressive. Bulgarian teams demonstrate serious preparation, good organisation and tactical maturity. In such an environment Burgas United does not simply “survive”, but grows. For the players this is an opportunity to measure themselves against strong opponents, to test their tactical schemes and to build with every next match.
Mission: football as a unifying force
Burgas United has a clearly defined mission that goes beyond the touchline. The club has set several strategic goals: to unite people through sport, to develop the culture of amateur football, to integrate into the city’s sports ecosystem and to attract new players who share the same values.
The team does not want to be just a participant in tournaments, but an active member of Burgas’ football community. This means maintaining good dialogue with organisers, other clubs and institutions, respecting the rules and the spirit of fair play, and showing respect to everyone involved in the game – from opponents and referees to organisers and fans.
Looking to the future
Burgas United’s ambition is long-term. The club wants to establish itself among the strongest amateur teams in Burgas, to attract partners and sponsors, to expand its participation in various tournaments and, in the future, to develop a youth section that will give younger players the chance to train in an international and tolerant environment.
The team defends the idea that sport can be a powerful tool for social integration, especially in cities with many foreign residents. And when the players say “this is just the beginning”, there are real plans behind these words, not just a nice slogan.
The leagues that shape the team’s character
From its first months, Burgas United began to take part in local amateur tournaments. The main stage for the team became the Slaveykov League – Burgas, a well-organised competition with serious, disciplined and motivated teams. The matches are played at the Slaveykov sports centre, where every game is a test for character, fitness and tactics.
At the same time, the club joined tournaments organised under the umbrella of BAMF Burgas – one of the most competitive amateur structures in the city. There, the level of the opponents is noticeably higher, the tempo of the game is faster and mistakes are punished immediately. For Burgas United this is valuable experience and an opportunity to raise its standards.
The organisation of these leagues deserves praise – clear regulations, a competitive environment, a high football standard and real commitment on the part of the players. It is no surprise that many teams make their first steps towards more serious amateur football exactly there.
A strategic step back to move forward
At a certain point, the management and coaching staff of Burgas United consciously decided to compete in a lower division. At first glance this may look like a step backwards, but in reality it is a strategic move. The goal is to strengthen team chemistry, accumulate tournament experience and give all players the chance to adapt to the team’s style and requirements.
Instead of chasing quick and short–term success, Burgas United has chosen the path of gradual and stable development. This shows maturity – both in sporting and organisational terms.
Infrastructure – the big issue for amateur football
As in many other cities in Bulgaria, amateur football in Burgas develops mainly thanks to the enthusiasm of the players and the selfless work of the organisers. But without basic infrastructure support from the municipality and institutions, the ceiling for growth remains low.
All Burgas United training sessions and official matches currently take place on paid pitches. For a young club with a limited budget this is a serious financial burden. Players pay out of their own pockets for every training session and every game, and for some this is a tangible expense.
The team expresses its respect for the efforts of the tournament organisers, including the Slaveykov League – Burgas. One particular fact stands out – one of the organisers, Stanislav Asenov, uses the tournaments as a way to raise funds for the treatment of his child. This evokes not only empathy, but also additional motivation for the players to support the cause by taking part.
At the same time, Burgas United stresses that for sustainable development of amateur football in Burgas, more accessible conditions are needed: modernised infrastructure, open municipal pitches, support programmes and active dialogue between clubs, organisers and the local authorities.
The condition of the pitch at the Slaveykov sports centre, where some of the amateur league matches are played, is also a sensitive topic. The worn and uneven surface poses a risk of injuries and often puts players in conditions that do not correspond to the efforts invested in organising the tournaments. The club insists that it is time to think about serious renovation and modernisation of the facilities.
The question of refereeing is no less important. Burgas United expresses its respect for the referees who officiate the matches, but reminds that refereeing should not rely only on enthusiasm. Sustainable financial support and the creation of structured referee crews are needed, which would further improve the level of the competitions.
What Burgas needs, according to Burgas United
According to the club, the city needs several key steps to develop amateur football in a modern and sustainable way:
- Free or affordable municipal football pitches with quality surfaces suitable for intensive use.
- Floodlights on the pitches to allow training sessions and matches in the evening – the only possible time for most working players.
- A transparent and convenient system for booking pitches so that teams can plan their preparation.
- Municipal support programmes for amateur clubs, including partial funding for refereeing and pitch rental fees.
Such an approach would have a strong social effect – more people would be engaged in sport, more young people would choose the pitch over the screen, and the city would gain a healthier and more connected community. Amateur sport is not a business, but an investment in people’s health and integration.
The leaders behind the project
The face of Burgas United on the pitch is captain Aleksandar Tkachenko – a leader who not only leads by his game, but also unites his teammates around common goals. The organiser and main sponsor of the project is Sergey Tkachenko – the person behind the logistics, organisational decisions and financial support of the club.
Thanks to their work and dedication, Burgas United is already a recognisable name in the amateur football scene of Burgas – a team that plays with respect, ambition and a clear message: football is for everyone, and sport should unite, not divide.