Football- the greatest and most popular sport in the world. It is an industry worth billions and is watched on every continent on the globe. Football has been around for centuries and is known throughout history, The history of football dates back to 1857 when Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest created the Rules for a game which became the first set of rules and regulations for the game we now know as football.
Here are some of the oldest football clubs in the world
1. Sheffield FC 1857
Sheffield Football Club ( Sheffield FC ) is recognized by the FA and FIFA as the oldest football club. It was founded in 1857 by Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest, the club established the Sheffield Rules which became the first set of official rules for the game of football. The Sheffield Rules even influenced the rules of the FA. Sheffield became a member of the FA in 1863 but continued to use its own rules.
The club finally adopted the FA’s rules in 1878. This team revolutionalised the whole game and its impact on the world. Sheffield FC and neighbours Hallam compete in a friendly what might be the oldest football fixture in the world. In 2004, Sheffield FC became only the second team in history after Real Madrid to be awarded the FIFA Order of Merit. In 2007, the club was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
2. Cambridge University AFC 1857
According to its website, the club was founded between 1856-1857. The claim is based on the copy of the Cambridge Rules entitled ‘The Laws of University Football Club’ dated 1856 held by the Shrewsburg School, if their claim is true, it might even be the oldest football club to be formed. The city of Cambridge has been associated with footballing history. In 1846 the ‘Cambridge Rules’ of football were drawn up by university footballers from several schools, laying the foundations for the game as we know it today.
3. Lima CFC 1859
The Lima Cricket and Football Club are known to be the oldest football club in Peru and in America. The club was founded by English immigrants in 1859, is based in the capital of the South American nation, and currently a member of the San Isidro District local league. Still operating as a multi-sports club, the 156-year-old Lima CFC currently has two national titles in its trophy cabinet, the Peruvian Primera Division, won more than 100 years ago in 1912 and 1914. The first recorded match for the club was on August 7, 1892. The club has won three Liga Distral de San Isidro in 2007, 2008, and 2012 and continues to be an inspiration for many.
4. Cray Wanderers 1860
The Cray Wanderers Football Club is a semi-professional football club based out of London. The birth of this team dates back to 1858 to 1860. The club originated in the St. Cray village when workers would kick a ball around during their free time. They currently play their games at a 5,000 capacity ground at Bromley’s Hayes Lane for the Isthmian League Division One.
5. Hallam FC – 1860
Hallam FC was formed in 1860, but its 211-year-old home, Sandygate Road, is recognized as the oldest active football ground in the world. The club is believed to have won the world’s first cup competition, the 1867 Youdan Cup, the trophy was lost for a number of years until 1997 and was found four years later. Formed in 1860, they play in the Northern Counties East League Division One, of the English football system.
6. Notts County – 1862
The club was formed in 1862 and plays its home fixtures at Meadow Lane in Nottingham, which was built in 1910. Notts have had a rivalry with Nottingham Forest which is right next to their ground. The 153-year-old club lifted its last title in 2009-10 after earning promotion and is currently playing League Two.
7. Stoke City FC – 1863
Stoke City FC, the oldest football club in the Premier League and is the only top-flight English club to be on this list. Founded in 1863, the club changed its name to Stoke City after Stoke-on-Trent was turned into a city in 1925. From the initial days as an amateur team in the local area to become a part of England’s world-famous Premier League, they have come a long way.
8.Royal Engineers Association FC – 1863
The Royal Engineers Association FC represented the Royal Engineers of the British Army. Founded in 1863, the 152-year-old club was in its glory days back in the 1870s, therefore winning the FA Cup in 1875 and reaching four of the first seven finals in the competition.
9.Civil Service FC – 1863
The club was formed in 1863 from London, Civil Service FC is the last surviving club of the original 11 clubs that founded the English Football Association. They have had a historic past for the growth of football in England. Through its 152 year history, the team has played several competitions and is currently a member of the Amateur Football Association in England.
10.Wrexham FC – 1864
Wrexham FC is the oldest football club in Wales and the first club outside of England to be on this list. Though they were not from England they were elected as members of England’s Football League in 1921 and are now a member of the fifth-tier National League in England.
Also Read: Who invented football? Know everything about the history of the beautiful sport
