Enschede. Origin of soccer
It starts in Enschede. International startups and global innovations. What also began in Enschede is soccer.
It starts in Enschede. International startups and global innovations. What also began in Enschede is soccer. In 1878, Bernard van Heek brought the first soccer to Enschede. From Burnley, England, he brought this, in his own words, "curiously large leather ball" into the city. This was the beginning of soccer in Enschede. The Nations League 2023, played in Enschede and Rotterdam is a great occasion to reflect on the role Enschede has played in Dutch soccer.
Bernard van Heek gets to know soccer
1878
The great pioneer of Enschede soccer was Bernard van Heek, from the city's wealthiest textile family. He was introduced to soccer in 1878 during a study trip to England - just as sports pioneer Pim Mulier would experience a year later in the same country.
First soccer ball rolls across Dutch soil
1885
On the Amelink estate, between Enschede and Lonneker, Van Heek explained the game: 'in order to be ordained in the art of the game, of which we had never heard before, namely the Football game.' Some say it was the first time a soccer rolled across Dutch soil, but there can never be any certainty about that.
Netherlands' first soccer club in Enschede
1885
Bernard van Heek founded the Enschede Football Club on June 30, 1885, with Van Heek as president. On August 31, a second club emerged from the men's clubs: Football Club Prinses Wilhelmina. In 1888 it was decided to merge.
A week later, on September 8, 1885, the footballers showed themselves to the general public as an extra activity during a kite flying contest. There was a brief mention of it in the News of the Day of September 9, 1885, which talked about a public performance der Enschedesche Football Club (EFC). 'This game proved very much to the taste of the public.' Even the English newspaper The Cricket and Footballfield reported it on September 26, 1885, spreading Enschede's name internationally.
'Even the English newspaper The Cricket and Footballfield made mention of it. This spread the name of Enschede internationally'.
EFC is the oldest club in the Netherlands founded purely for soccer. Other soccer clubs created at that time originated from cricket. After the merger in 1888, the club took the name EFC-Princess Wilhelmina.
Sportclub Enschede participates in first season of professional soccer
1954
That Enschedeers have always been ambitious is evident. With Abe Lenstra and West German world champion Helmut Rahn, the club competed at the top of Dutch professional soccer. The Enschede Boys and Rigtersbleek were also active at the highest level at the time.
Establishment FC Twente
1965
On Vrieler's night, Sportclub Enschede and Enschedese Boys merged to form FC Twente '65. The club from Enschede is now an icon in Dutch society soccer due to its rich and turbulent history and large fanatical following.
35.000 Tukkers on Tour
2001
Never have so many supporters visited an away game in the Netherlands as during the PSV- FC Twente cup final in Rotterdam. The playful banner above the A1 was telling: "Does the last Tukker want to turn off the lights?"
FC Twente as inspirer of Eredivisie Women
2007
From the start of women's professional soccer, FC Twente has been active in the Eredivisie. The first match was played in front of 5,500 spectators also in Enschede. FC Twente Women is the record holder in women's soccer with nine national titles.
FC Twente national champion
2010
On May 2, 2010, FC Twente became national champions for the first time. A memorable moment for the soccer club from Enschede. A day later (Monday, May 3) they were honored at the Grolsch Veste in front of tens of thousands of supporters.
Women's European Cup final played in Enschede
2017
Orange madness arises around the Orange Lionesses during the European Championship. In a sold-out Grolsch Veste in Enschede (at that time a spectator record in women's soccer), the Dutch Women's team becomes European champions.
UEFA Nations League Finals
2023
In 2023, the Grolsch Veste in Enschede was one of the two playing venues of the UEFA Nations League Finals 2023.
Enschede is proud of its soccer.
