Sparta Rotterdam, founded on April 1, 1888, is the oldest professional football club in the Netherlands. Since 1916, the team has played in its historic stadium, Het Kasteel, located in the Spangen neighborhood.
Originally a cricket club, Sparta was formed by eight boys aged 13 to 16 on Easter Sunday, between church services. In July 1888, after receiving a football, they added the sport—before the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) even existed.
Sparta boasts six national championships, three KNVB Cups, and one Eerste Divisie title. The club has played a key role in Dutch football history.
One legendary moment occurred on November 15, 1970, in a match against Feyenoord. Goalkeeper Eddy Treijtel accidentally killed a seagull with a long goal kick. Sparta captain Hans Eijkenbroek removed the bird, and the incident remains one of the most curious in Dutch football history.
Sources. Story: Source Story: Photos: Source Photo: Herbert Behrens, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
