Some friends are having a city break in Seville (I'm not remotely jealous, as I watch the drizzle moisten my Autumnal leaves). I did fly over the stadium once, during a short "break" to the city. Seville is in Andalusia, nestled in Southern Spain, half way between Portuguese Faro and British Gibraltar. The city hosts Spain's oldest sporting club, founded on January 25th 1890.
Just to warm you up, here is a blog from May 2017 involving Sevilla Futbol Club, Los Nervionenses......nothing to do with their disposition, the name taken from the part of the city they grew from.
The crest portrays the city coat of arms, a heart shaped shield, three saints of the region, SFC, red and white stripes inspired by King Ferdinand III taking of Castile. (nothing to do with the Mattress Men-does anyone remember that Spanish club??)
As you would expect, there are a lot of religious buildings and artefacts in the city centre, hence the image on the club badge, which probably has nothing to do with the club founder, a Scot, Edward Farquharson Johnstone. Don't ask me how he got to be involved but keep the marmalade thought in your head.....Edward, from Elgin, was a senior representative for MacAndrews and Co who took oranges from Spain to Dundee (hmmmm, delicious) and was British vice-consul in the city.
On a visit to the city a couple of years ago, I walked around some wonderful "arenas", the Cathedral, various important palaces, places where peoples' heads were chopped off and the blood stains still in the marble floor....the Spanish are so dramatic! don't forget the Alcazar, the site of film sets where "Game of Thrones" was filmed.
The shirt of course is Seville FC's. I did get to the club shop in town, but didn't spend a Euro!! Too much like Stoke City?
I discover that Seville FC was founded by British colonials (mainly Scots actually) living in the city and running various businesses. These ex-Pats at the end of the 19th century, got together around Burns' Night in a cafe where a "few small beers". were consumed, and in a moment of light headedness, decided to form an Athletic Association, as you do. Sevilla Futbol Club was formed on 21st January 1890 and their first match was against a local group called Recreativo de Huelva on the 8th March 1890, the first official football match in Spain, Sevilla winning 2-0.
On March 17 1890, the formation of the football club, involving British and local lads, including Hugh Maccoll, a marine engineer, was reported in the Dundee Couriers' Edition. Hugh was their first captain. in a friendly was against Huelva Recreation on March 8th 1890, the first official match ever played in Spain. Sevilla won 2-0 and Isaias Ritson scored the first goal. He lived at 41, Calle Bailen in Seville. David, perhaps you might visit to see if there is a "blue plaque"?
Another team member was Isaias White Jnr, the son of the owner of the engineering firm. Mr. Edward Farquharson Johnston from Elgin, was the club's first president. He was the British vice-consul and ran the MacAndrews and Co ship owners company responsible for bringing Seville oranges to our shops!
By 1907 other clubs formed in the region making up a local competitive league, so from 1907 various other clubs were formed in the region, creating a chance to play more competitive matches. They never looked back. In 1928 Sevilla joined the National League and in 1935 were promoted to the First Division and by 1945-6 they were champions for the first time.
After that there has been much success, including 5 Spanish Cups, 5 x UEFA League Cups,a Spanish Super Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and many successes over local derby opposition Real Betis.
Teams from the Seville club take part in various sports such as alterofilia, petanca, basketball, rowing, rugby and of course the club has many junior teams and ladies football as well as futsal.
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