A Brief History of Godset
Strømsgodset IF were formed on the 2nd of October 1907, under the name 'Strømsgodset Skiklubb og Skiklubben Norden', by Ludvik Bakke, Th. Torgersen, Olaf Nilsen and Hakon Hagen. Orginally, the club was based in Gulskogen, a suburb of Drammen.
The club became a full member of the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) in 1914, however in the early years the main activity of the club was skiing. It wasn't until the seventies that the football club became famous thanks to their superb performances in the Norwegian leagues, winning the championship in 1970.
Gulskogen was, and is today, the labours 'quarter'. Many important fabrics are situated on Gulskogen, like Gulskogen Cellulose (manufactoring paper), Guldlisten (woodwork), Lie Høvleri (lumber) and Jernbaneverkstedet (railroad maintenence). Gulskogen was a very close community, everybody knew each other, and they were very proud of their part of the city. This created an unique loyality between the people, and to their football team. Strømsgodset became an assembly point for everybody with a passion for sport. Those who were not active athletes developed into dedicated supporters for their friends and neighbours.
Until the end of the sixties Strømsgodset played their matches on the pitch at Gulskogen. Due to an explosion of interest for the team they moved to Marienlyst, which could accommodate the thousands of people wanting to follow them. Gulskogen just couldn't hold them. Despite this, the heart of Strømsgodset still remains at Gulskogen. The adminstration buildings for SIF are still situated there, and the old pitches at Gulskogen have been upgraded to moden astroturf. This grants the players top quality training facilities all year round, and gives the second string team, or Team SIF as they as known, a place to play their matches. This pitch is still an assembly point for young players, old and dedicated supporters and others who love 'Godset'.
Many thanks to Eirik Solberg for the information on Godset's history. |
