Persiraja Aceh

Persiraja Banda Aceh was founded as a semi-professional team on 28 July 1957, initiated by PSSI. The name change from previous Persib Banda to its current name is unknown to the public. In the early formation of this team, the team's headquarters are located at Blang Padang Field, before being moved to the H. Dimurthala Stadium in Lampineung. At the beginning, since its inception, there's nothing special from this team. The club is still under the shadow of PSMS Medan who previously was one of the strongest teams in Indonesia. In the effort for finding the talented players, the team is making a "Bonden" or another term for the academy. During the period between 1957 until 1974, there was no great achievement to be proud of. Until finally in 1975, Persiraja successfully overcome the shadows of PSMS Medan. In the 1974–75 season of PSSI National Championship western region, Persiraja successfully become champion by beating strongest teams from Sumatra. At that time, Persiraja successfully topped the final standings with 11 points and goal difference 31–10 (21). Thus, Persiraja were advance to the national round of 1975–1978 PSSI National Championship with PSMS, PSL, and PS Bangka. At the beginning of its participation, Persiraja broke through until reached the top 8. Persiraja also began to be known by everyone in the country. In the following season, Persiraja managed to increase their ranking to top 5. Persiraja could have been relegated in 1979, but PSSI did prevented it by adding a team so there were total of six teams. Finally, in 1980, Persiraja successfully become a national champion by beating Persipura Jayapura 3–1 in the final game held in Gelora Senayan Stadium (former name of Gelora Bung Karno Stadium). In the end, Persiraja have to wait for 23 years since 1957 to win the title in the national football arena.