\n<\/p>\n
Davit Alaverdyan, chief editor of Mediamax Media Company in Yerevan, said: “Although the club was founded in 2017, in 2022-23 it was completely transformed with a new owner and management, so in that sense it can really be considered new.<\/p>\n
“Such a success is truly unprecedented.”<\/p>\n
Former Portugal, Real Madrid and Barcelona star Figo seems an unlikely name to be linked to an Armenian club side but club owner Vardanyan said: “Luis Figo was one of the first to support my vision of building this project. <\/p>\n
“He believed in the programme’s success and offered his willingness to assist in key areas. We are friends and often discuss the club’s development, with Figo providing valuable advice.<\/p>\n
“We have big plans with Figo, particularly in promoting Noah’s young talents abroad and enhancing the club’s international reputation.”<\/p>\n
The club’s sudden rise and a nomadic history to date means their fanbase is still catching up. They have had several different stadiums, in capital Yerevan, plus Armavir and currently Abovyan. <\/p>\n
Their European games are being played at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan, and they are building a new stadium in nearby city Echmiatsin.<\/p>\n
“Until recently, the team did not have many fans, but success on the international stage has led to the number increasing with each game,” said journalist Alaverdyan.<\/p>\n
“A stadium for 20,000 people, as well as a football academy, is being built near Yerevan.”<\/p>\n
And the biblical name of the club?<\/p>\n
The Old Testament says Noah\u2019s Ark landed on Mount Ararat – which is just over the border in modern Turkey and dominates the Yerevan horizon.<\/p>\n
Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in the fourth century.<\/p>\n
“A significant part of Armenia is located in the Ararat Valley, so the themes of Ararat, Noah and his Ark have sacred meaning for Armenians,” said Alaverdyan.<\/p>\n
Captain Hovhannes Hambardzumyan is one of their longest serving players, having joined in August 2023.<\/p>\n
“Being part of Noah’s project is something special for all of us,” said the 34-year-old Armenia right-back. <\/p>\n
“We are not just playing football; we are playing for our nation, our pride, our homeland, and our tricolour flag, striving to elevate the name of Noah in the world of football.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n