SV Horn

SV Horn, officially known as Sportverein Horn, is a professional football club based in Horn, a small town in Lower Austria. The club was founded in 1922 and has since become a notable presence in Austrian football, particularly known for its commitment to nurturing young talent.

The club's history is marked by periods of success and struggle. For many years, SV Horn played in the regional leagues of Lower Austria, but their fortunes began to change in the early 2000s. In the 2007/2008 season, they secured promotion to the Austrian Regional League East, the third tier of Austrian football. This marked the beginning of a period of rapid ascent for the club.

In the 2011/2012 season, SV Horn achieved their most significant milestone to date: promotion to the Austrian Football Second League, the second-highest division in Austrian football. This was a remarkable achievement for a club from a town of just over 6,000 inhabitants.

SV Horn's time in the Second League has been marked by fluctuating fortunes. They have faced relegation battles, but have also challenged for promotion to the top tier, the Austrian Bundesliga. Despite these challenges, the club has remained a mainstay in the Second League, demonstrating resilience and a competitive spirit.

SV Horn's commitment to youth development is one of its defining characteristics. The club has a thriving academy, which has produced several players who have gone on to play in the Austrian Bundesliga and beyond. This focus on youth is part of the club's long-term strategy to build a sustainable future and continue to compete at a high level.

In 2016, SV Horn made headlines when it was announced that Japanese businessman Keisuke Honda had become a major shareholder in the club. This marked a new chapter in the club's history, bringing international attention and increased investment. Honda's involvement has helped to further professionalize the club and has provided a boost to its ambition of reaching the Austrian Bundesliga.

The club's home ground is the Waldviertler Volksbank Arena, a modern stadium with a capacity of 3,500. Despite the small size of the town, SV Horn enjoys strong support from its local community. The club's fans, known as the "Hornets", are passionate and loyal, providing a vibrant atmosphere at home games.

Throughout its history, SV Horn has shown a remarkable ability to overcome challenges and exceed expectations. From its humble beginnings in the regional leagues of Lower Austria to its current status as a competitive force in the Austrian Second League, the club has demonstrated a commitment to progress, development, and the nurturing of young talent. As SV Horn looks to the future, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of its small but passionate community.