It was established in 16 June 1961 by the then GVAV which is known as the Groningen Football and Athletics Association. It enjoyed top flight football for many years although it suffered a setback in fortunes after 3 years and was relegated to the Dutch second division.
The club was then propelled back into success by the famous Koeman brothers, Ronald Koeman and his elder brother Erwin together with the striker Jan van Dijk resulting in qualification to European football for the first time in the club's fortunes in the 1982/1983 season. Its best season in the Eredivisie or Dutch premier division is probably during the 1990/1991 season where they finished 3rd overall.
Its home colors are green and white. The club plays its home games in the 13 000 seat Oosterpark Stadion.
