Founded in 1951, the club plays in the Primeira Liga, holding home games at Estádio Municipal de Arouca, with a 5,600-seat capacity.

Founded on 25 December 1951, as a FC Porto subsidiary,[1] Arouca spent the first five decades of its existence in the Aveiro regional leagues.

[2] Arouca managed its fourth promotion in only seven years at the end of 2012–13, reaching the Primeira Liga for the first time in its history.

[3][4] Subsequently, the Arouca Municipality awarded the club the Medal of Gold Merit for its achievement,[5] with the organization also being granted extra financial means to renovate and expand its stadium.

[7] After beating Heracles Almelo of the Netherlands on the away goals rule, they lost the play-off 3–1 after extra time to Olympiacos of Greece.