The Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) was founded on 23rd June 1883 and was officially established on 1st July 1883. The Club was housed in a building on Waterloo Street.
In 1883, a Pavilion was erected on the site at the Padang allotted to the Club. Two years later, the Club adopted navy blue and red as its corporate colours: navy blue for sportsmanship and red for the brotherhood of man in sports.