djurgårdens if was founded, primarily by john g. jansson, on 12 march 1891 at a café in alberget 4a in the island djurgården. most of the founding members were young working class men. the club originally focused on winter sports and athletics. the first real football field in stockholm was created in 1896. djurgårdens if's football department was formed in 1899, with the help of former gais player teodor andersson. djurgården played their first match in july 1899, a 1–2 loss against aik.