Anyang
FC Anyang is a South Korean professional football club founded on February 2, 2013, based in Anyang that competes in the K League 1, the top tier of South Korean football. The club plays their home games at Anyang Sports Complex and achieved their most notable success in 2024 by winning the K League 2, earning direct promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history.
History
Overview
General information about the club
FC Anyang is a professional football club established following the city of Anyang's decision to bring football back to the region after the departure of the previous team. The club was officially founded on February 2, 2013, after an ordinance was passed on October 10, 2012, to establish a professional football team in Anyang City. The public participated in choosing the club's name, which was confirmed as FC Anyang on December 27, 2012.
Most recent season and achievements
In 2024, FC Anyang achieved their greatest success by winning the K League 2 championship, marking their first piece of silverware and earning direct promotion to the top flight K League 1 for the first time in the club's history.
History
Early years
Football returned to Anyang when the city saw an opportunity with the creation of the K League 2. Despite opposition from within the city council, the establishment of the club proceeded. FC Anyang played their first game on March 17, 2013, against Goyang Hi at Anyang Stadium, ending in a 1-1 draw with Ka Sol-hyun scoring the club's first ever goal. The club recorded its first victory on April 7 against Chungju Hummel.
Current period
Following years of development in the second division, FC Anyang reached their pinnacle in 2024 by winning the K League 2 championship, securing promotion to the top tier of South Korean football for the first time since the club's establishment.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
FC Anyang's domestic achievements include winning the K League 2 in 2024, which represents their first major trophy and earned them promotion to the K League 1.
Traditional Rivals
Suwon Samsung Bluewings
The club shares a strong rivalry with nearby Suwon Samsung Bluewings, a rivalry that began during the LG Cheetahs era and was dubbed the Jijidae Derby. Despite the Anyang club changing, the city and Suwon still share a football rivalry, which was revived in the 2024 season when Suwon Samsung Bluewings competed in the second division for the first time.
FC Seoul
FC Seoul is another club disliked by FC Anyang fans, due to the abrupt manner of the club leaving the city despite protests. This animosity stems from when LG Cheetahs relocated to Anyang City in 1996 to become Anyang LG Cheetahs, but later moved to Seoul in 2004 to become FC Seoul, leaving Anyang without professional football. Anyang fans lit flares in a show of defiance in a tie in the 2017 Korean FA Cup.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Nicknames
The club's main supporters group is called A.S.U. RED, which started as a fan group for Anyang LG Cheetahs (now FC Seoul) when the club was based in Anyang.
Stadium
FC Anyang plays their home games at Anyang Sports Complex, which serves as the club's home venue for all domestic competitions.