At the turn of the twentieth century, football as a sport in  Austria was very much in its infancy. The game began to take root in Vienna, as a clutch of small nomadic club without recognised homes or identities began to compete. From this backdrop two of these small clubs 'Sparta' and 'Ostmark' combined to form the 'First Viennese Workers' Football Club.' With the polices approval a permanent home was secured a pitch next to the Radetzky Barracks which is still there today and on which the players of tomorrow still play. The fledgling club was established by the workers of a hat factory, who included a number of Englishmen in their ranks.Just like their modern counterparts, they enthusiastically talked about their home land and football and their enthusiasm spread around amongst other young workers. In September 1898 this tiny club, just a gathering of a handful of workers was first recognised in public when the 'New Viennese Evening Journal' acknowledged the existence of 'First Viennese Workers Football Club.'Instant success certainly didn't follow and the clubs first few results were less than spectacular. In Autumn 1898 they had played ten matches, losing seven and were yet to win a game. The goal difference didn't make pretty reading: 4:75 (!). What was the way forwards? Four months after the club was founded it was decided that a name change was required: something that stood for dynamism, power and togetherness. Taking a lead from the successful Berlin based "Berliner Football and Cricket-Club 'Rapide' 1893" the name 'Rapid' was decided upon.Following the decision and the 're-founding' of the club, just two days later on the 8th of January 1899, the 'New Viennese Evening Journal' contained the following notice: '1st Viennese Workers' Football Club. During the General Assembly on Sunday the following were elected: as Chairman Karl Palek, as Secretary Wilhelm Goldschmidt, as Captain J. Kailich, as Vice-Captain Karl Schediwy. Following a long debate the motion put forward by Mr. Goldschmidt to change the clubs name was passed, and the name SC Rapid was chosen.' The founders couldn't have had any idea of the rich history that this club would go on to write in the next 115 years.The only way to round off is to say a huge "Happy Birthday" to Rapid!A rich assortment of historical artefacts surrounding the formation of our club can of course be found in the Rapideum! Information about the Rapideum can be found here.(gw)
08.01.2014