Roda JC Kerkrade

Roda JC Kerkrade is a football club based in Kerkrade, Netherlands. It was formed as a result of a merger between two local clubs: Rapid JC and Roda Sport on June 27, 1973. The merger was driven by the need to strengthen the football presence in the region and to compete at a higher level in Dutch football. The club's colors are yellow and black, and they have a loyal fan base. Over the years, Roda JC has played in the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football.

Roda JC made their debut in European competition in the 1984-85 season, participating in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. The team's qualification for the tournament was a historic moment as it was the first time they competed in a European competition. This participation marked their growing stature in Dutch football. Although they were eliminated in the early rounds, the experience gained contributed to the club's development and ambition to compete in Europe.

In 1986, Roda JC reached the final of the KNVB Cup for the first time in the club's history. Although they were defeated by Ajax in the final, reaching this stage was a significant milestone for the club. It demonstrated their growing strength and competitiveness in Dutch football. The final was held at the De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, where Roda JC showcased their tenacity against a strong Ajax team.

The 1990–91 season was remarkable for Roda JC, as they finished as runners-up in the Eredivisie, the highest achievement in the league for the club up to that point. Their impressive performance during the season was highlighted by a strong squad and consistent results. Although they could not surpass Feyenoord for the title, finishing second was a proud moment for the club and their supporters, showcasing their potential in Dutch football.

In the 1995–96 season, Roda JC reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, now known as the UEFA Europa League. This was a significant achievement for the club on the European stage. Roda JC's journey in the tournament showcased their ability to compete against top European clubs. The club's run in the competition included memorable matches against prominent teams, and it remains one of Roda JC's most successful European campaigns to date.

Roda JC won the KNVB Cup, the premier cup competition in Dutch football, in 2000. The final was played on May 2, 2000, where they defeated NEC Nijmegen 2-0 to secure the trophy. Winning the KNVB Cup was a major accomplishment for Roda JC, as it marked their first cup victory. The victory also qualified them for the UEFA Cup the following season, providing another opportunity to showcase their strength on a European platform.

On May 25, 2001, Roda JC clinched the Johan Cruyff Shield, also known as the Dutch Supercup, by defeating FC Twente in the final. The Dutch Supercup is contested between the winners of the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup. Roda JC's victory was a testament to their strong domestic performance, demonstrating their capability to compete against the top teams in the country. The match was held at the Amsterdam Arena in front of a large crowd.

In an unfortunate turn of events during the 2012–13 season, Roda JC was relegated from the Eredivisie after finishing at the bottom of the league table. This marked the end of their prolonged stay in the top division since the merger back in 1973. The relegation was a significant blow to the club and its supporters, who had enjoyed many seasons of top-flight football. Roda JC then had to regroup and focus on getting promotion back to the Eredivisie.

After just one season in the Eerste Divisie, often referred to as the Jupiler League, Roda JC made a quick comeback to the Eredivisie by securing promotion on May 22, 2014. The club's determination and hard work paid off as they triumphed in the promotion play-offs to reclaim their spot in the top division. The quick return to the Eredivisie displayed the club's resilience and dedication to compete at the highest level of Dutch football.

Roda JC faced another setback in 2018 as they were relegated from the Eredivisie once again. Despite their efforts throughout the 2017–18 season, they finished in the relegation zone, resulting in their drop to the second tier of Dutch football. This was a disappointing outcome for the club, players, and fans alike. Relegation posed challenges, but it also motivated the team to work towards returning to the Eredivisie in the future.