Football in Gdynia

Arka Gdynia were originally founded in 1929 as Klub Sportowy Gdynia, and get this, to this day they still kick off their evening home games at 19:29 as opposed to the 19:30 favoured by the rest of the league. The year 1934 saw them change name to Kotwica Gdynia (Anchor Gdynia), a direct reference to their dockworker fanbase. Another name change followed in 1964 when the club was re-christened Morski Związkowy Klub Sportowy Gdynia, and the club chose to celebrate the new millennium by once more changing their title, this time to Arka Gdynia.

Success has largely eluded AG, and it wasn’t until 1974 that they finally made it to the top flight. Their one piece of silverware arrived five years later in the form of the Polish Cup and this was as close as they came to enjoying a heyday. A record seventh place finish had been achieved two years previous, and it was during this decade that the side could rely on local legends like Janusz Kupcewicz and Andrzej Szarmach.

Has is the fashion in Polish football, Arka fans have allied themselves to Lech Poznan and Cracovia Krakow, and matches featuring these sides see mixed sections and a good ole’ knees-up. If Slask Wroclaw, Wisla Krakow or Lechia Gdańsk are in town then expect battalions of robocops trying to keep the peace.