Ismaily SC - History

History

It all started back in 1920, more than 80 years ago, when the idea of starting an Egyptian club in the city of Ismailia was born. In 1921, this dream became reality when the Nahda Sporting Club (now Ismaily) was founded thanks to generous donations and hard work. The Nahda was the first Egyptian club in the Canal zone; all other clubs were strictly foreign.

The club’s location is where the Friday market is today. It wasn’t until 1926 that the club became an official member of the Egyptian Football Federation.

The club is known in Egypt as well as its fans "El-Daraweesh"

They are well known for playing football but never score or achieve any championships, they usually lose in the semi final or Quarter Final or even first rounds of any championship. i.e.: They lost in Egyptian cup 2008 - 2009 from a 2nd division team in the first round.

The club’s initial state was quite modest. Inside the club’s brick wall, there existed only a field of sand, one changing room, and a small hut. Of course, the residents of Ismailia were not satisfied; the hut was removed and replaced by a small building in 1931, and grass was planted on the pitch. Expansion continued in 1943, when the club purchased a 15,000 square-meter piece of land and moved there.

Building the club required money, and a total sum of 6453 L.E. was collected from local families and businesses. Here is a list of the most generous contributors:

• Contractor Mohamed Ali Ahmed contributed 353 L.E.
• Dr. Soleiman Eid and Saleh Eid contributed 500 L.E.
• Hajj Mohamed Mohamed Soliman contributed 100 L.E.
• Sayed Abu Zeid El Menyawy contributed 100 L.E.
• Sheikh Ahmed Atta contributed 75 L.E.
• Hajj Mohamed Sahmoud and Fahmy Michael contributed 30 L.E.
• Hajj Ahmed Ali El Menyawy contributed 25 L.E.
• Foreigner Banyooty Fasolis contributed 20 L.E.

The first to game take place in the new pitch was between Ismaily and the English Army Team (Canal). The new club was officially opened on the 11th of April in 1947. A celebration party was organized for this event. A friendly game was played on this day between Ismaily and the Farouk First Club (now Zamalek). Ismaily won the game 3/2.

Ismaily’s lineup was: Yango, Sayed Abu Greisha, Salem Salem, Ali Hegazy, Anoos El Kebir, Mohamed Abdel Salam, Aly Lafy, Ahmed Mansour, Ibrahim Hablos, Sayed Charley, Awad Abdel Rahman.