In the world of Austrian football, where big-city clubs often dominate headlines, SV Ried stands out as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and passion. Hailing from the small town of Ried im Innkreis, this club has built a reputation for punching above its weight—winning major trophies, developing homegrown talent, and maintaining a loyal fan base that supports the team RR88 through every challenge.
Humble Beginnings and Steady Rise
Founded in 1912, SV Ried spent much of its early history in the lower divisions of Austrian football. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the club began to make its mark nationally. Their first promotion to the Austrian Bundesliga came in 1995, and they’ve since established themselves as a competitive presence in the top two tiers.
Despite not having the resources or star power of bigger clubs, Ried’s journey has been driven by smart management, tactical discipline, and strong community support.
Goals That Matter
While SV Ried may not have the highest goal tally in Austria, the club has scored over 1,200 goals in the Austrian Bundesliga and more than 2,000 goals across all professional competitions. These goals have often come in crucial moments, helping the team survive relegation battles, reach cup finals, and even qualify for European competition.
Ried is known for its gritty and disciplined style of play. Instead of high-scoring shootouts, the club often relies on teamwork, solid defense, and clinical finishing to get results. Players like Herwig Drechsel, Markus Hammerer, and Thomas Reifeltshammer have played key roles in building the club’s competitive identity.
Trophies and Major Achievements
Despite being considered a small club, SV Ried has celebrated some remarkable successes in Austrian football. Their achievements include:
- Austrian Cup Winners: 2 (1998, 2011)
- Austrian Cup Runners-up: 2 (2010, 2022)
- Austrian First League (2nd division) Champions: 3 (2005, 2010, 2020)
- European Competition Appearance: UEFA Cup (1998–99, 2011–12)
The 1997–98 Austrian Cup win was a historic moment, as Ried became one of the few provincial clubs to claim a major national trophy. They repeated the feat in 2011, defeating Austria Lustenau in the final. These cup victories not only brought silverware to the club but also earned them a place in European football.
Their cup success has made them a well-respected side, known for being giant-killers capable of beating top-tier opponents when it matters most.
A Platform for Talent
SV Ried has long served as a platform for emerging Austrian talent. Many players who got their start at Ried went on to play for bigger clubs domestically and abroad. The club places a strong emphasis on developing young players, and its coaching staff is renowned for nurturing talent into competitive professionals.
By maintaining a solid youth program and giving opportunities to local players, Ried has built a sustainable model that keeps them competitive without overspending.
Loyal Support and Community Pride
SV Ried may be from a small town, but its fan base is as passionate as any in Austria. The club plays its home matches at the Josko Arena, a modern stadium with a capacity of around 7,700. The atmosphere is always intense, with loyal fans creating a strong home-field advantage.
The club enjoys a deep bond with the local community. For many fans in Ried im Innkreis, the team is a source of pride and identity, representing the heart and soul of their town.
Final Thoughts
SV Ried proves that you don’t have to be from a big city to dream big in football. With over 2,000 goals scored and two Austrian Cup titles, the club has defied expectations and earned its place in Austria’s football history.
From small beginnings to national triumphs, SV Ried’s journey is a story of heart, grit, and unshakable ambition.
