Association Football club names are a part of the sport's culture, reflecting century-old traditions. Club names may reflect geographical, cultural, religious or political affiliations — or simply be the brand name of a club's primary sponsor. Because of the British origin of the modern game and the prevalence of the English language, many clubs, even outside Europe, have their names written in English.
Official names often also contain common component (prepositions, conjunctions, etc.) (See List of common club name components section).
In Europe, many (if not most) clubs are named after their towns or cities (e.g. "Deportivo La Coruña", "Liverpool FC", "Hamburger SV"). In South America, clubs are more likely to have names that don't bear the city's name. Some clubs, like Hansa Rostock or Torpedo Moscow may have both.
Read more about Association Football Club Names: Common Versus Official Usage, Club Names Referring To Days and Dates, Club Names Referring To The Club's Specific Origins, Club Names Referring To An Ethnic, Social, National or Religious Background, Club Names Referring To Geographical Features, Club Names Referring To Plants, Club Names Referring To Real or Mythical Creatures, Club Names Referring To Real or Mythical People, Club Names Referring To Sport, Club Names Referring To Values and Ideals, Initials
Famous quotes containing the words association, football, club and/or names:
“A good marriage ... is a sweet association in life: full of constancy, trust, and an infinite number of useful and solid services and mutual obligations.”
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592)
“In this dream that dogs me I am part
Of a silent crowd walking under a wall,
Leaving a football match, perhaps, or a pit,
All moving the same way.”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
“We have ourselves to answer for.”
—“Jennie June” Croly 1829–1901, U.S. founder of the woman’s club movement, journalist, author, editor. Demorest’s Illustrated Monthly and Mirror of Fashions, pp. 24-5 (January 1870)
“It is a sad truth, but we have lost the faculty of giving lovely names to things. Names are everything. I never quarrel with actions. My one quarrel is with words.... The man who could call a spade a spade should be compelled to use one. It is the only thing he is fit for.”
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)