The Language of Athletic Club (pt.1): It’s All in a Name
The Language of Athletic Club (pt.1): It’s All in a Name
Athletic Club’s official name exemplifies the club’s unique history and vocabulary
Every football club has its own particular set of vocabulary, a glossary of terms that reflects its history and the pride of its fans. And in that sense Athletic Club is no different. However, the Club’s unique history in addition to the blend of Basque, Spanish and English has given Athletic’s vernacular a distinct flavour.
In this series, we briefly explain the origins and meanings behind some of the most popular Athletic Club terms.
Athletic Club
The Club’s very name is a perfect example of those unique influences interacting with each other. Athletic Club was formed in 1898 by Basque students who had picked up the sport while living in the United Kingdom.
Upon returning to Biscay and setting up a football club so they could keep playing the game, they settled on the English term ‘Athletic Club’ as opposed to the Spanish equivalent ‘Club Atlético’.
In 1941, the Club was forced to adopt the Spanish translation when the Franco regime banned foreign names. Nevertheless, on July 26, 1972, ‘Athletic Club’ become our official name once more.
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