Altona, with more than a century-and-a-half of established history, carries a rich heritage

In the early 20th century, Altona 93, a German football club based in Hamburg, made a significant impact on the sport in Northern Germany. Founded in June 1893 as Altonaer Cricket Club, the club soon transitioned to football and became a force to be reckoned with.

In 1909, Altona 93 secured the Northern German championship with a thrilling 6-3 victory over Eintracht Braunschweig. This triumph was a testament to the club's growing prowess, attracting numerous spectators, with 5,000 or more becoming the norm.

However, the club's journey in the German championship was cut short in the next round, as they suffered a 1-4 defeat against Duisburger Spielverein. Despite this setback, the team continued to dominate football in Northern Germany, alongside Holstein Kiel and Eintracht Braunschweig.

The coach during this period of success was Kurt Krause, who later had a successful spell at VfB Lübeck. One of the key figures in this era was Adolf Jäger, who became Altona's first national player and was closely linked to the period that began in 1909.

In the subsequent final, which was to be held in Altona, DFC Prague emerged victorious against VfB Leipzig. Altona 93, however, managed to reach the semi-finals but unfortunately lost to VfB Leipzig, squandering a 3-0 half-time lead and losing 3-6.

The club continued to shine, beating the German champions SpVgg Fürth 9-2 in a friendly match and gaining another national player in Karl Hanssen. The "Kampfbahn" of Altona 93 was inaugurated on Griegstraße in 1909 and has borne Jäger's name since 1944.

World War I put an end to what was probably the best team in Altona's history on the way to a possible German championship title. After the war, Altona 93 was part of the first-class Oberliga Nord, like VfB.

Post-World War II, Altona 93 continued to make strides, with Kurt Krause once again coaching the team in the 1963/64 season. A renewed semi-final appearance in the DFB-Pokal in 1963/64 marked the last major regional highlight in the club's history.

In 1955, they lost in the semi-final of the DFB-Pokal to Karlsruher SC in a replay, marking a significant milestone but also a turning point in the club's history.

Today, Altona 93 continues to represent the rich football history of Hamburg, a testament to the club's resilience and enduring spirit.

Altona, with more than a century-and-a-half of established history, carries a rich heritage