Which is the oldest football club in the world?

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and has a long and rich history. It originated in the mid-19th century; a period when the game evolved from a pastime to an organized sport. Since its inception, the game has grown and evolved in many aspects, including the use of technology. However, the foundation of the sport has remained the same. With the development of football in the mid-1850s and 1860s in England, a number of football teams were established at that time. They continue to compete at a professional level and dominate the list of oldest football clubs in the world. So, in this article, Premiumsoccertips takes a look at the oldest football club in the world that are still in operation.

Top 10 oldest football club in the world

10. Queens Park (Scotland)

Queens Park is a famous football club based in Glasgow, Scotland. Founded in July 1867, Queens Park is not only the oldest club in Scottish football history, but also the oldest football team in the world outside of England and Wales. For the first 152 years of its existence, the club maintained amateur status, only turning professional in November 2019, after a vote from its members.

Despite always playing as an amateur team, Queens Park has built a great legacy in Scottish football. They have won the Scottish Cup 10 times, making them one of the most successful teams in the history of the competition. In addition, Queens Park is the only Scottish team to have appeared in the FA Cup final, a proud achievement. The club has also won the Scottish Second Division football title twice, demonstrating its resilience and strength on the national stage.

9. Nottingham Forest (England)

Nottingham Forest, founded in 1865, are a famous football club based in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. Having won the First Division once, the team has established itself as one of the most successful clubs in English football history. In addition to their domestic success, Nottingham Forest have also had a series of cup victories, including the FA Cup and the Football League Cup, cementing their reputation in English football.

However, Nottingham Forest’s most notable and outstanding success has come in the European arena, where they have made a strong mark in European football history. The club is one of only four English teams to have won the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) more than once. Their greatest achievement was winning back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, a rare feat that only the greatest clubs can achieve. These victories helped make Nottingham Forest an icon in European football.

8. Wrexham (Wales)

Wrexham, founded in October 1864, is the oldest football club in Wales and is currently based in Wrexham. The team currently competes in the fifth tier of English football. Throughout its history, Wrexham have won the Welsh Cup a total of 23 times and have also had impressive achievements in other domestic competitions, including the Football League Cup and the FA Cup. Although not the most successful club in the UK, Wrexham have had some surprising victories over big teams, notably against Arsenal in the 1992 FA Cup and FC Porto in the 1984 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Since November 2020, Wrexham has attracted international attention when it was acquired by famous actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney through their company RR McReynolds LLC. This new investment and interest has brought a wave of hope and renewal to the club, with the aim of returning Wrexham to the top flight and achieving greater success in the future.

7. Brigg Town (England)

Brigg Town, founded in 1864, is one of the oldest football clubs in the world and is based in Brigg, Lincolnshire. The club currently plays in the Northern Counties East League Division One, a semi-professional division of English football, ninth in the national football league system. Despite not playing in the top flight, Brigg Town has a long and proud history.

The club won the Northern Counties East League Division One title in 2001, marking one of the most notable successes in its history. Although the club is not currently playing in the top flight, Brigg Town has maintained an influence in the lower leagues and continues to play an important role in the local football community.

6. Royal Engineers (England)

The Royal Engineers, founded in 1863, represent the Royal Corps of Engineers – a division of the British Army and are based in Chatham, Kent. The team has played a significant role in the history of English football, particularly in the early years of the game. The Royal Engineers are credited with being one of the first teams to help develop the passing game, which contributed significantly to the formation and development of football as we know it today.

One of the Royal Engineers’ notable successes was winning the FA Cup in 1975, despite the team not regularly participating in major tournaments. In particular, they reached the FA Cup final in three of the first four seasons of the competition, demonstrating their excellence and influence in the early years of English football.

5. Stoke City (England)

Stoke City are one of the largest and most influential football clubs in England, currently playing in the EFL Championship, the second highest football league in the country. The club was founded in 1863 as Stoke Ramblers, before changing its name to Stoke Football Club in 1878 and then becoming Stoke City in 1925. With a long and prestigious history, Stoke City has become a prominent name in English football.

The club is based in Stoke-on-Trent, and they were one of the 12 founding members of the Football League in 1888. Throughout their history, Stoke City have enjoyed notable success, with their biggest trophy being the League Cup win in 1972. This is the only trophy the club has won in major competitions, but it remains an important milestone in Stoke City’s journey.

4. Notts County (England)

Notts County, based in Nottingham, England, currently play in the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1862, the club has a long and distinguished history, and predates the formation of the Football Association. Notts County were one of the founding members of the FA, cementing their place as a major player in the early years of English football.

During their career, Notts County have achieved some notable successes. They have finished third twice in the English Football League First Division, which remains the club’s best finish in the competition. However, Notts County’s greatest success in history was their FA Cup victory in 1894, which was a major milestone and the club’s biggest trophy to date.

3. Hallam FC (England)

Hallam FC, founded in 1860, is one of the oldest football clubs in the world, based in Crosspool, Sheffield, England. Currently, the club competes in the Northern Counties East League, the 10th level of the English football league system. Despite playing in a lower league, Hallam FC has maintained its influence thanks to its long history and the important milestones the club has achieved in the past. Notably, in 1867, Hallam won the Youdan Cup, the world’s first football tournament, opening a new chapter in football history.

The club plays at Sandygate Road, which is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest football stadium in the world. The stadium is not only a venue for Hallam FC matches but also a historical site, preserving the imprint of English football through many generations. With over 160 years of existence, Hallam FC continues to maintain its dedication to football, while playing an important role in preserving the historical values ​​of this sport.

2. University of Cambridge (UK)

The University of Cambridge claims to be the oldest football club in the world, with a long and proud history. In 2006, the Football Association presented the club with a 150th Anniversary plaque, officially recognising 1856 as the year the club was founded. This has helped the University of Cambridge to affirm its special place in football history, not only in the UK but also globally.

The University of Cambridge football team currently competes in Midland 1A under the British Universities and Colleges Sports Association (BUCS), the governing body for university sport in the UK. This is a representative team of the university, where students compete in university sports competitions, maintaining the university’s long football tradition and contributing to the development of sport within the academic community.

1. Sheffield FC (England)

Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, currently competes in the Premier League North Division, level 7 of the English football system. Recognized by FIFA as the oldest football club, Sheffield FC has a rich history and has played an important role in the development of football. However, FIFA’s claim that Sheffield FC is the oldest club has been challenged by the University of Cambridge AFC, as Sheffield FC did not adopt the new FA rules until 1878.

In addition to being the oldest football club, Sheffield FC is also one of the first two clubs to receive the FIFA Order of Merit, a prestigious honor given to organizations that have made a significant contribution to the development of football. This achievement further affirms Sheffield FC’s position in the history of world football and the club’s great contributions to the sport.

Conclusion

The title of the oldest football club in the world is a matter of debate, with several clubs claiming the honor. Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, is recognized by FIFA as the oldest, though other clubs, such as Cambridge University AFC (1856) and Notts County (1862), also lay claim to significant historical importance in football. Regardless of the exact title holder, these clubs represent the rich heritage and early development of the beautiful game. Their contributions to the sport have left a lasting legacy, from pioneering the rules of football to fostering the growth of the game globally. The debate over the oldest club adds to the fascinating history of football and its enduring impact on cultures worldwide.

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