The emergence of business on football in Kharkiv at the beginning of the 20th century.

Abstract

Research aim. This article seeks to examine the emergence and implementation of the first profit-oriented projects related to the most popular sport in modern Europe football within one of the key industrial centres of the Russian Empire Kharkiv.

Research methodology. To explore this topic, the study applies the classical school of political economy, particularly the business concept proposed by the British scholar Adam Smith. The development of football-related entrepreneurship in the Russian Empire is considered as part of the broader process of industrial society formation, a concept introduced by the French researcher Raymond Aron.

Scientific novelty. The study identifies the chronological framework of football-related business formation, classifies the types of entrepreneurial activities connected to the game, and clarifies the factors that influenced the development of this business in Kharkiv.

Conclusions. Several factors contributed to the growth of football-related business in Kharkiv: a large urban population, the sport’s popularity among various social groups, the presence of numerous local teams competing in city championships, and the role of foreign residents who facilitated the transfer of knowledge about football infrastructure. These foreigners also introduced the first footballs, boots, and uniforms to Kharkiv. Additionally, local newspapers with significant circulation played a crucial role in promoting the sport.

The origins of the football business in Kharkiv can be traced back to 1908, when the first entertainment industry projects featuring football emerged. Entrepreneurial activity reached its peak between 1911 and 1914. During World War I, the pace of development slowed slightly but did not come to a halt.

At the beginning of the 20th century, football-related businesses in Kharkiv included: construction of playing fields as part of entertainment complexes, production of football equipment (boots, balls, and uniforms), operation of workshops and retail outlets selling football goods, advertising of matches and related products, ticket sales for games and exhibitions, rental of football fields and facilities.

Several entertainment and sports complexes in the city offered football field rentals, most of which were located in park areas. Leading newspapers “Харьковские губернские ведомости”, “Южный край”, and “Утро” regularly published advertisements for matches, shops, and workshops selling football equipment. As of 1914, four retail outlets and five workshops dedicated to the production and sale of football-related goods were operating in the city.