Football’s roots go deep, with some of the oldest clubs dating back to the mid-19th century. These clubs paved the way for what we know today as the global game of soccer. Many of them have a rich history, not only in England, where football first flourished but also beyond. Here’s a look at some of the oldest football clubs in the world that are still remembered or even active today.
Sheffield F.C. (1857, England)
Sheffield F.C., founded in 1857 in England, is recognized as the world’s oldest football club. At 167 years old, this historic club still holds a vital place in the sport’s legacy. Established in Sheffield, the club began as a way for locals to stay active, eventually evolving into a focal point for football’s development. With its origins before official leagues and formalized rules, Sheffield F.C. helped shape early football standards. The club proudly continues to operate, honoring its roots and playing matches to this day, often celebrated as a living testament to football’s earliest days.
Cambridge University A.F.C. (1857, England)
Cambridge University A.F.C., also founded in 1857, is another pioneering football club from England. At 167 years old, this club remains a significant part of the football landscape. Formed by students at Cambridge University, the club was instrumental in developing some of the earliest written rules for the game. The Cambridge Rules, as they became known, would later influence the Football Association’s guidelines. Today, the club continues to operate within the university, retaining its original mission of uniting students through sport while honoring its foundational role in football’s history.
Cray Wanderers F.C. (1860, England)
Cray Wanderers F.C., established in 1860, stands as one of England’s oldest football clubs, now marking 164 years of history. Founded in the town of Crayford in London, this club began as a local venture and has continued its legacy through community engagement. Cray Wanderers participated in early matches that predated formal leagues, contributing to the game’s growth in the south of England. The club remains active, playing in the lower tiers of English football, and is a cherished part of the Crayford community, keeping its rich history alive on the field.
Hallam F.C. (1860, England)
Founded in 1860, Hallam F.C. hails from Sheffield, England, and shares a history intertwined with that of Sheffield F.C. At 164 years old, Hallam holds the distinction of owning the oldest football ground in the world, Sandygate Road. The club quickly became a competitive force, playing against Sheffield F.C. in early matches that laid the foundation for organized football. Hallam F.C. continues to compete in local leagues, embodying a living piece of football heritage and drawing fans who appreciate its long-standing role in the sport.
Notts County F.C. (1862, England)
Established in 1862, Notts County F.C. is one of the most storied clubs in England and is now 162 years old. Based in Nottingham, the club is renowned for being one of the founding members of the English Football League in 1888. Known as “The Magpies,” Notts County has faced numerous challenges but has maintained its professional status throughout. Although currently competing in the lower tiers, the club remains a symbol of English football’s rich history, with fans proudly supporting its journey through the sport’s evolution.
Royal Engineers A.F.C. (1863, England)
The Royal Engineers A.F.C., formed in 1863, represents one of the earliest organized football clubs with military roots, now celebrating 161 years. Based in Chatham, Kent, the club was initially composed of members of the British Army Corps of Royal Engineers. Known for their early tactical innovation, the Engineers were among the first to adopt team play strategies such as passing, which greatly influenced football tactics. While no longer competing at the highest levels, the club still participates in occasional matches, preserving its unique legacy as one of the oldest teams with a strong influence on modern football.
Brigg Town F.C. (1864, England)
Brigg Town F.C., founded in 1864, is one of England’s oldest football clubs, now celebrating 160 years of history. Originating in the small town of Brigg, this club began as a modest local team but soon gained popularity within the region. Known as “The Zebras” for their black-and-white stripes, Brigg Town F.C. has been a resilient part of the English football landscape. It currently competes in the lower tiers of the English league system, keeping its legacy alive on the field. The club continues to connect with its community and remains a proud representative of Brigg’s sporting heritage.
Wrexham A.F.C. (1864, Wales)
Founded in 1864, Wrexham A.F.C. holds the title of Wales’s oldest football club, marking 160 years of sporting tradition. Based in the historic town of Wrexham, this club has developed a devoted fan base and a rich legacy in Welsh and English leagues. Known for their iconic Racecourse Ground, the oldest international football stadium still in use, Wrexham A.F.C. has played a key role in Welsh sports. The club remains active and has recently gained widespread attention following new ownership, reigniting its journey toward future successes while staying true to its deep-rooted history.
Stoke City F.C. (1863 or 1868, England)
Stoke City F.C. has an uncertain founding date, often cited as either 1863 or 1868, which makes it approximately 156-161 years old. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, England, this club has become a well-known name in English football. The team began as the Stoke Ramblers before adopting its current name and establishing itself in professional leagues. Known for their nickname, “The Potters,” a nod to the city’s pottery industry, Stoke City has enjoyed notable achievements and sustained support. The club remains active and has a loyal fan base that keeps its legacy alive.
Queens Park F.C. (1867, Scotland)
Queens Park F.C., founded in 1867, is Scotland’s oldest football club and now celebrates over 157 years in the sport. Based in Glasgow, Queens Park initially played a major role in developing football in Scotland, helping establish early league systems. Known for their motto, “Ludere Causa Ludendi,” which translates to “To Play for the Sake of Playing,” the club has maintained an amateur ethos for much of its history. Though they recently transitioned to professional status, Queens Park F.C. continues to honor its origins, competing in the Scottish league with the same historic spirit.
Kilmarnock F.C. (1869, Scotland)
Founded in 1869, Kilmarnock F.C. is another of Scotland’s venerable clubs, marking over 155 years in football. Originating in the town of Kilmarnock, this club holds a unique place in Scottish sports history. Known as “Killie,” Kilmarnock has remained competitive in the Scottish leagues, achieving several high points in domestic competitions. The club continues to compete actively, drawing passionate support from its hometown and beyond. Kilmarnock F.C. remains a proud representation of Scottish football’s legacy, staying true to the values that shaped its long-standing tradition.
Fulham F.C. (1879, England)
Established in 1879, Fulham F.C. is one of London’s oldest football clubs, now celebrating 145 years of history. The club started as Fulham St Andrew’s Church Sunday School and quickly grew into a formidable team in English football. Known as “The Cottagers,” Fulham has a loyal fan base and a storied past in both lower and top-tier English leagues. Located at the iconic Craven Cottage by the River Thames, the club continues to compete in professional leagues, maintaining its unique position in London’s football landscape. Fulham F.C. stands as a lasting testament to its roots and ongoing journey in the sport.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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