Historical Crests Almere City FC

Name: ​ ​ Almere City FC

Nickname(s): ​ The Black Sheep

Founded: 2001

Stadium: ​ ​ Yanmar Stadium

Capacity: 4,501

Almere City FC Crest History

The club's first crest appeared in 2001 when the team was founded as FC Omniworld. The badge featured a black sheep's head, referencing the club's origins as a successor to De Zwarte Schapen ("The Black Sheep"). 

A significant change arrived in 2010, when the club was renamed Almere City FC. A new crest was introduced to accompany the rebranding and establish a stronger connection with the city of Almere. This transitional badge was used for only a short period as the club sought to create a clearer and more permanent visual identity.

The most important redesign in the club's history followed in 2011. The black sheep was removed and replaced by a harrier, a bird of prey associated with the province of Flevoland. The change marked a deliberate shift away from the club's historical roots toward a broader regional identity. At the same time, the club adopted a striking red-and-white colour scheme, giving the badge a much stronger and more modern appearance.

The redesigned crest adopted a circular format featuring the harrier positioned above the club name. The bird symbolised ambition, freedom and the pioneering spirit of Flevoland, the Netherlands' youngest province. The red colour reinforced the club's modern image and helped distinguish Almere City from other Dutch clubs.

Almere City FC Club History

Founded in 2001 as FC Omniworld, Almere City FC is one of the youngest professional football clubs in the Netherlands. Unlike most Dutch clubs, whose histories often stretch back more than a century, Almere City was created to provide the rapidly growing city of Almere with a professional football team of its own. 

The club was originally established as part of the broader Omniworld sports project. After several years of preparation, FC Omniworld joined the Eerste Divisie in 2005, becoming the first professional football club from Almere. The early years were challenging, with the club frequently finishing near the bottom of the league table while working to establish itself within Dutch professional football.

A major turning point arrived in 2010, when FC Omniworld was rebranded as Almere City FC. The new name created a stronger connection with the city and marked the beginning of a more ambitious era. Alongside the rebranding came a renewed focus on long-term development, youth recruitment and sporting success.

The greatest achievement in the club's history arrived during the 2022–23 season. After years of steady progress, Almere City qualified for the promotion play-offs and successfully secured promotion to the Eredivisie for the first time. The achievement completed one of the most remarkable rises in modern Dutch football, taking the club from its foundation in 2001 to the top division in just over two decades.

Almere City plays its home matches at the Yanmar Stadion, located in Almere.

Because of its youth, Almere City lacks the deep-rooted rivalries of many traditional Dutch clubs. However, competitive rivalries have developed with nearby teams such as Go Ahead Eagles, PEC Zwolle, FC Volendam, Telstar and other clubs frequently encountered in the Eerste Divisie and promotion battles.

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