Ever wondered about a football club named Excursionistas? It’s a story woven into the very fabric of Buenos Aires. Right here before you stands Club Atlético Excursionistas a testament to resilience and passion.
Founded in 1910 the club’s name reflects the founders’ adventurous spirit. They embarked on frequent trips to the Paraná River and Isla Maciel to participate in athletic competitions. Initially called Club Unión Excursionistas their first jersey was green with a horizontal white stripe. Green represented the grass and white the tablecloths of their picnic feasts.
Their journey wasn’t without challenges. Excursionistas played its first tournament in 1911 at Club Florida. Before the 1912 season they acquired land in Belgrano. There on the corner of La Pampa and Miñones streets their stadium was built. In 1916 a victory over Palermo secured promotion to the second division. A name change to Club Atlético Excursionistas followed in 1919 along with a jersey redesign to the current vertical green and white stripes.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1924. In the old San Lorenzo de Almagro stadium Excursionistas triumphed over Talleres de Remedios de Escalada. This victory meant promotion to the prestigious Primera División. Over 10000 spectators witnessed this historic achievement. This was their golden age. In 1931 goalkeeper Fortunato Grimoldi even earned a call-up to the Argentina national team. He was featured on the cover of El Gráfico a renowned sports magazine.
The 1930s brought a change in the Argentine football landscape. A merger of football associations led to Excursionistas being relegated to the second division. Since then they’ve navigated the lower leagues. The 1942 team coached by Pedro Tilhet holds a special place in fans’ hearts many consider it the best ever. A nail-biting relegation playoff against Argentino de Quilmes in 1957 saw Excursionistas emerge victorious keeping their place in Primera División.
The club’s story continues to unfold. From relegations to near misses of promotion they’ve faced numerous setbacks. Yet their spirit remains unbroken. A significant unbeaten streak in the 1998-99 season showcased their determination. A historic ten consecutive wins in the 1999-2000 season was followed by a 21-point deduction due to fan disturbances. This illustrates both the team’s prowess and the occasional turbulence in their journey. Their success in the 2016 Campeonato Transición Primera C and subsequent promotion to Primera B highlights their persistent drive.
Today Club Atlético Excursionistas stands proudly. It continues to embody the spirit of its founding voyagers. It’s a club that has seen triumphs and tribulations. It’s a club that continues to inspire and represent Bajo Belgrano. Its green and white stripes represent a vibrant legacy of football in Buenos Aires. Come explore this history with us.