Top 10 Oldest Football Clubs: Which is the oldest football club in the world?
Here are the top 10 oldest clubs in history of football.
18th Century Soccer art. (Image via History UK)
Football is the world’s most popular sport, enjoyed by billions globally. It’s a multi-billion-dollar industry with a global fan base. The game has a rich history dating back to 1857 when Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest established the first rules, shaping the football we know today.
Since then, there have been several football clubs that have been established quite earlier than the rest. Here is a look at the top 10 of such clubs.
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. Founded in 1857 by Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest, the club established the Sheffield Rules, the first official rules for football. These rules even influenced the FA’s laws. Although Sheffield joined the FA in 1863, they continued using their own rules until adopting the FA’s in 1878.
This move marked a revolution in the game, impacting football worldwide. Sheffield FC and neighboring Hallam engage in what might be the world’s oldest football fixture. In 2004, Sheffield FC achieved a historic milestone, becoming only the second team after Real Madrid to receive the FIFA Order of Merit. Additionally, in 2007, the club was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
2. Cambridge University AFC 1857
Cambridge University AFC, founded between 1856 and 1857, claims to be one of the oldest football clubs. The basis for this claim is a copy of the Cambridge Rules from 1856, found at Shrewsbury School.
If proven true, it could make them the earliest football club. The city of Cambridge played a crucial role in football history. University footballers from various schools established the ‘Cambridge Rules’ in 1846, laying the groundwork for the modern game.
3. Lima CFC 1859
The Lima Cricket and Football Club, founded by English immigrants in 1859, holds the distinction of being the oldest football club in Peru and America. Situated in the capital of Peru, it is currently part of the San Isidro District local league. Operating as a multi-sports club for 156 years, Lima CFC has clinched two national titles in the Peruvian Primera Division, securing victories in 1912 and 1914.
The club’s inaugural recorded match took place on August 7, 1892. Additionally, Lima CFC achieved success by winning three Liga Distral de San Isidro titles in 2007, 2008, and 2012, serving as an ongoing source of inspiration.
4. Cray Wanderers 1860
Cray Wanderers Football Club, a semi-pro team from London, was born in 1858-1860 in St. Cray village. Workers started playing football during breaks.
They now play at a 5,000-capacity ground in Bromley’s Hayes Lane for the Isthmian League Division One.
5. Hallam FC – 1860
Established in 1860, Hallam FC calls Sandygate Road its home, known as the oldest active football ground globally at 211 years old. The club is credited with winning the inaugural 1867 Youdan Cup, which was lost for years until its rediscovery in 2001.
Competing in the Northern Counties East League Division One, Hallam FC boasts a rich history in English football.
6. Notts County – 1862
Founded in 1862, Notts County plays its home games at Meadow Lane in Nottingham, constructed in 1910. The club shares a close rivalry with Nottingham Forest, located beside their stadium.
After securing promotion, the 153-year-old team won its most recent title in 2009-10 and currently competes in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
7. Stoke City FC – 1863
Stoke City FC, established in 1863, is the oldest football club to have played in the Premier League. Originally an amateur team, it transformed into Stoke City in 1925 when Stoke-on-Trent became a city.
Now competing in the EFL Championship, the club has a rich history, progressing from local amateur status to the renowned Premier League.
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 in the 1870s.
They won the FA Cup in 1875 and reached four of the first seven finals in the competition. They are now part of the Army Football Association.
9. Civil Service FC – 1863
The club was formed in 1863 in London; Civil Service FC is the last surviving club of the original 11 clubs that founded the English Football Association. They have had a historical past for the growth of football in England.
Through the club’s 152-year history, the team has played in 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.
Currently, the club is on a historic run of its own, after winning the fifth-tier National League in England, the Red Dragons look to march upwards on the pyramid.
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Sadok Limma
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