Altay SK (Turkey)

Altay come from the coastal city of Izmir, and were formed in 1914 and were created with the aim to unite the Turkish youth and help them progress in the world of sport. At the time the country was still a part of the Ottoman Empire, and much of the region's sport was dominated by minority groups. They also played an important part in uniting the Turkish population in the Turkish War of Independence - so much so that the founder of modern Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gave his Supreme Commander Fahrettin Pasha the nickname of Altay in celebration of the club's efforts.

As far as the football goes, they have finished third in the Super Liga three times, and won the Türkiye Kupası - the Turkish Cup - twice, in 1960 and 1980. They've also won the second division in 2002, and hold the record for winning the most Izmir Football League titles with an impressive 15.

Last season saw them finish a very nice fourth in the second division, and are among the favourites to battle to promotion back up to the top table of Turkish football. Their Izmir Alsancak Stadium was built back in 1929, and can hold a rowdy 15,358 fans.

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