The name Merlijn finds its origin in the legendary advisor to King Arthur from the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. By choosing this name, T.S.V.V. Merlijn aligns itself with the birthplace of football: England. Like the councilor Merlin himself, the association embodies values such as wisdom, bravery, and pride – principles that continue to define the club to this day.

T.S.V.V. Merlijn was founded on May 13, 1968, by Berry de Beer and several like-minded pioneers. More than a decade later, on August 10, 1979, the association took an important formal step by registering with a notary, bringing its statutes officially into force. On the same day, Merlijn was also registered with the Chamber of Commerce. During its most active years, the club flourished, fielding three or four teams competing in various KNVB competitions. However, towards the end of the 1980s, membership numbers steadily declined. Eventually, in 1996, the decision was made to place T.S.V.V. Merlijn on non-active status, as student interest in representing the club’s colors had faded.

Yet Merlijn’s story did not end there. More than two years later, a group of passionate footballers training at the Sports Center began to explore the idea of founding a football association. After competing together at the European Student Football Championships, their shared ambition grew stronger—fueled by a close-knit group of students eager to build something lasting, both on and off the pitch. Inspired by this renewed sense of camaraderie, these dedicated players decided to breathe new life into Merlijn in mid-1999. Their efforts culminated in the appointment of a six-member board in November 1999, fully committed to the official re-establishment of T.S.V.V. Merlijn in the spring of 2000.