Excelsior Rotterdam is a well-known football club based in the Kralingen district. The club plays its home matches at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadium, formerly known as Stadion Woudestein. After renovations in 2016, the stadium now holds 4,400 spectators.
Founded on July 23, 1902, by a group of friends in Kralingen, Excelsior stood out as one of the first Dutch clubs with working-class roots, at a time when football was mainly for the elite. Since then, the club has alternated between the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie.
Excelsior made history in the 1950s by helping to introduce professional football in the Netherlands. Chairman Henk Zon and board member Aad Libregts pushed for the change, and in 1954, their efforts paid off. In 1958, Excelsior became the first Dutch club with a covered standing section, built by members and volunteers.
In 1974, they introduced the first shirt sponsor in Dutch football, featuring the letter 'A' from sponsor Akai. The club also earned the nickname “Old Paper Club” thanks to Henk Zon, who collected old paper for years to support Excelsior financially.
Excelsior remains a respected name in Dutch football, known for its community spirit and innovative history.
Sources. Story: Source Story: Photos: Source Photo: Wikifrits, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
