Sparta Rotterdam is the oldest professional football club in the Netherlands, founded in 1888. The club plays at Het Kasteel, a characteristic stadium in the Rotterdam district of Spangen. The stadium has a unique appearance and a lot of history.
Sparta is a real traditional club, with a rich history and a major role in the development of Dutch football. The club has been national champion six times in the past, especially in the first half of the 20th century. Nowadays Sparta is a stable club that usually plays in the Eredivisie, but can also be found in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie every now and then.
The club is known for its youth academy, where many good footballers have come from, such as Memphis Depay, Kevin Strootman and Georginio Wijnaldum. Sparta has a loyal following, especially in Rotterdam-West, and is often seen as the more traditional, chic club compared to fellow city dweller Feyenoord.
