Norayr Nourikian

Athlete Info

Introduction

As a dedicated future student-athlete, I am motivated to bring energy, discipline and hard work to the team, while also challenging myself in the university’s rigorous academic environment.

Sport

Top Athletic Achievements

Forward & Left Fullback 2022 - 2024

PFC Levski Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria

Finished 2nd place in Zone 1 Championship Sofia for U16 with 23 matches played and 22 as a starter and we won 13 wins 7 draws and 3 losses. Scored 10+ goals the first season as a forward and was the highest goal scorer for the season.

Finished 2nd place in Elite Group Championship Bulgaria for U17 with 12 matches as a starter in which we won 9 of them, drew 2 and lost 1. I came in as a sub 13 matches in which we won 9 of them, drew 3 and lost 1. As left fullback, I have 5+ assists and 1 goal. During the two seasons at PFC Levski Sofia, I have played a total of 49 matches, 2824 min.

Competitions & Tournaments

Left fullback 09/2024 - Present

PFC Septemvri Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria

Played a vital role on the team, contributing to numerous victories. Finished 2nd place in Zone 1 Championship Sofia for U18. Played 20+ games as left fullback per season, resulting in a win rate of 70%. Scored 5 goals, provided 8+ assists.

Left fullback 2013 - 2022

PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Contributed to numerous victories and established a strong presence in the team. Finished 4th place in Elite Group Championship Bulgaria for U15. Played 25+ matches out of 30 for the last season at U15 and finished with 19 wins 5 draws and 6 losses. Scored 5 goals during U15 season and provided 10+ assists.

During my time at PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv I took my first steps as a player and grew to play a major role in the team victories, as well as youth/kids championships prior to my filing and registration as a soccer player.

Other Athletic Info

Call for the U16 Bulgarian National Team

Tryout Left Fullback 07/2024 - 08/2024

Racing Club de Lens Lens, France

I was invited for a two-week tryout at RC Lens in France. Tryout included daily practices with the U19 and second team at RC Lens. Played one friendly match with RC Lens second team as a left fullback.

Participated in a Summer Soccer Camp at FC Barcelona in 2018

https://www.marica.bg/sport/futbol/norayr-nurikqn-ot-loko-v-nacionala

https://www.marica.bg/sport/futbol/norayr-nurikqn-beleji-za-pobeda-na-loko-nad-botev-video

https://levskiacademy.com/play...

Academics

Interview

What makes you different?

Throughout my high school career, I have primarily played as a left full-back and left winger, roles in which I have developed a strong tactical understanding, speed, and the ability to contribute effectively both in defense and attack. I am known for my overlapping runs, accurate crosses, fast transitions from defence to attack and the opposite, and solid one-on-one defending. Above all, I value teamwork, consistency, and a relentless work ethic. Another unique attribute of mine is that I am always pushing my teammates to be better and try to always be the leader on and off the field.

Why do you want to compete in college?

Because it is very important for me to excel academically and also I think it will help me to pursue my soccer dreams. Being born in the United States and having lived abroad has given me a different outlook to both my future career as an athlete, as well as the opportunities the United States has in store to young people on the verge of their life choices.

College soccer and the US collegiate system as a whole is highly developed and regarded in the United States and will give me the opportunity to reconnect with my American identity.

College goals

Excel academically and athletically, prove my efficiency on and off the field, develop my skills as an athlete and gain knowledge as a student.

My college goals are also focused on connecting with my peers, with my teammates and classmates, expanding my personal and academic horizons, as well as developing a diverse social circle which will undoubtedly enrich me and inspire me.

Soccer and life Goals?

What's been a unique identity status for me for years, I believe, will transpire to be an additional bonus in the United States of America. I am a US-born of Armenian origin, with Bulgarian nationality, young man. This personal diversity is in itself a proof of how widescoped my way of thinking is.

For years, I have participated in Bulgarian and internaitonal projects and initiatives aimed at students with multi-ethnic backgrounds. Aside from that, I have played an active role in the Armenian community in Bulgaria and taking part in the Armenian dance group which has been integral in recognizing my cultural heritage as an Armenian. Volunteering with the largest Armenian non-profit organization in the world with its central office located in New York, and growing up in a family of Armenian origins, who are highly active in community service through the same organization, has been a blessing that has not only given me multiple opportunities to explore the world by travelling to different destinations, but most importantly - taught me how to give back and pay it forward!

Media

Norayr Nourikian highlights. Born 2007. Playing in