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115 years of Ballspielverein - How wonderful to be Borussia

On 19 December 1909, history was made in the "Zum Wildschütz" pub on Dortmund's Borsigplatz: 18 members of the youth group of the Catholic Holy Trinity parish founded 'Ballspielverein Borussia 1909'. What started small back then has developed over the decades into a football club that inspires millions of people and has fans and sympathisers worldwide. Today we are celebrating BVB's 115th birthday.

A newspaper report from 20 December 1909 reads: "Tumultuous scenes took place yesterday evening on the occasion of the founding of the 'Ballspiel-Verein Borussia 1909' in the north-east of Dortmund. Over 40 members of the youth group of the Catholic Trinity Parish, based at Flurstrasse, met at 7.00 pm in the restaurant ‘Zum Wildschütz’, Oesterholzstrasse 60, to found ‘BVB’ based on their love of football and their exasperation with Chaplain Hubert Dewald, who was responsible for youth work at the Trinity. Franz Jacobi, spokesman and vice-president of the new club, said: ‘I've been a member of the Trinity youth since 1902, and we've been playing football on the Weisse Wiese since 1906. We footballers have been systematically attacked and defamed by our church since 1906. We can no longer accept this. The founding of the club is imperative.'" 

Borussia Dortmund have celebrated numerous successes over the past 115 years. BVB stand as a unifying force between generations and nations and represent more than just sporting success: the Black & Yellow colours are a symbol of cohesion, fighting spirit and loyalty. The club is rooted in the region and is involved in numerous social projects. 

On today's birthday, we celebrate our football club and the values that characterise Borussia Dortmund. How wonderful to be Borussia. Here's to the next 115 years full of unforgettable moments.

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