Gintra of Šiauliai, the leading force in Lithuanian women's football over the past two decades, unveil their new Head Coach. Taking charge from the 2026 season is Lithuanian specialist Artūr Sikorskij, who has spent the past two years coaching in the country's top women's division, leading last season's runners-up TransINVEST of Vilnius district.
A. Sikorskij began coaching at just 18 with Granitas in Naujoji Vilnia, spending more than a decade with boys' age groups from U5 to U15. In 2021 he joined Žalgiris's academy, working for two years with the U14 and U11 teams. In 2023 he briefly joined Riteriai's U16 and U18 sides.
More recently he has worked in women's football. He took charge of TransINVEST in 2024, winning bronze in his first season and silver the following year. Since 2023 he has also been involved in the Lithuanian Football Federation's Regional Talent Centres project.
The new coach welcomed the recognition and hoped to meet expectations by guiding Gintra to another championship.
'I will not lie: I was surprised, because everyone said Gintra only looked for foreign coaches. Receiving the offer was very gratifying. It means I did something right in women's football over the last two years and caught the champions' attention. It feels good, but much work awaits. Until recently my objective was the opposite; from today my greatest ambition is to continue Gintra's dominance in Lithuania,' he said.
Gintra are Lithuania's most decorated women's team, consistently pursuing the highest objectives domestically, in the Baltic League and in the UEFA Champions League. Management believe Sikorskij's work ethic, philosophy, trust in young players and women's football experience align with the club's strategy.
'We are pleased that a Lithuanian specialist will lead the team again after a break. Artūr is respected in women's football and has achieved good A League results. His approach to work, discipline and player development matches our values and vision. We believe he will strengthen our development structure and help us progress both competitively and in developing young athletes.'
The club has already announced defender Tereza Romanovskaja's extension. More news will follow.
Preparations for the new season begin on 12 January.
