"Leipzig sportlich": the foundation of the German Soccer Federation (DFB) in Leipzig

	Trophy

A memorable day in the Mariengarten

Leipzig and soccer – these two go together. And have done for more than 100 years – since 27th January 2000, a limestone plaque in Leipzig's Karlstrasse 10, today's Büttnerstasse, hints to the fact. The plaque was placed on the building of Friedrich Hofmeister Verlag since it was the location of the restaurant ''Zum Mariengarten''. In this restaurant, on 28th January 1900 the Erste Allgemeine Deutsche Fussballtag held the inaugural meeting of the German Soccer Federation DFB. Theoder Schöffler, Johannes Kirmse and Oskar Büttner were among the most notable football enthusiasts from Leipzig, who were decisive in preparing the foundation. Representatives of 86 associations from all over Germany had come to the ''Mariengarten''. Only two of the participating associations from Leipzig have survived until today: Lipsia Eutritzsch and VfB, both of which had been founded in 1893.
Speaking of VfB Leipzig brings to mind another date of equal importance for DFB and the city of Leipzig: In 1903, VfB became the first German soccer champion. Repeating this feat again in 1906 and 1913 it was one of the most famous clubs of its time.


Hans-Werner Stadie




Excerpted and translated from "Leipzig sportlich"
Publisher: Blickpunkt Buch e.V. Leipzig