One of the most notable soccer clubs, famously recognized for their role in the development of the sport, is Sheffield FC. The club was founded in 1857 in Sheffield, England by Nathanial Creswick and William Prest who were originally members of the Sheffield cricket club. They wanted to build a community for a game that people of all ages could play together in their free time. The soccer pioneers then began organizing informal “kick-abouts” without any official rules. Once they drew up the club’s rules of play, referred to as the Sheffield Rules, they became the first detailed set of soccer rules to be published by a soccer club. Sheffield FC played a significant role in the development of the Laws of the Game, which would later become the basics of modern soccer rules. They’re responsible for the invention of a corner-kick, throw-in, free-kick, cross-bar, and fouls. Sheffield FC is recognized as the oldest soccer club still in existence and the game of soccer wouldn’t be what it is today without their influence.

The second oldest soccer club in the world is none other than Hallam FC, founded in 1860 in Sheffield, England. The idea for Hallam FC was born after the Hallam Cricket club began to recognize their neighbor soccer team Sheffield FC making strides. Cricket club members began to dream about creating a less exclusive club led by cricketers. Their first ever challenge match took place against Sheffield FC in 1860 at Sandygate Road (Hallam FC’s home ground). This is still believed to be the first ever Inter Club game and the oldest to survive to this day. Hallam FC’s home ground, Sandygate Road, is famously known for being the oldest soccer stadium still in use. Throughout its history, Hallam FC has contributed significantly to the development of soccer as a whole and has maintained a strong presence in their community and the world!

Notts County FC

Another club known for being one of the world’s oldest soccer clubs is Notts County FC based in Nottingham, England. Founded in 1862, Notts County FC predates the Football Association and is one of the 12 founding members of the Football League, finishing their first league season in 11th place. The club is nicknamed “The Magpies” for its distinctive black and white striped kits, which went onto inspire the famous kits worn by Juventus in 1903. Notts County FC is considered to be one of the pioneers of the modern game, influencing the sport that has taken the world by storm. Even with their early start to the game, the club’s greatest success didn’t happen until 1894, when they won their only FA Cup. Despite Notts County FC being recognized more for their heritage in the sport rather than their wins, it’s still considered one of the oldest soccer clubs in the world and has left an indelible mark on the game!

Cray Wanderers

Another soccer club considered to be the oldest in the world is one with an unforgettable history! Cray Wanderers football an English semi-professional football club based in Chislehurst, London. The club is said to have been established some time in 1860 in the twin villages of St. Mary Cray and St/ Paul's Cray, near Orpington. At the time, a railway was being constructed across the Cray Valley and villagers and labourers began playing “kick-abouts” during their lunch breaks. Soon a ground was laid out and matches were played against Army teams and other local villages. Unfortunately, a lack of records means that little else is known about them during this period, until the 1880s, when local newspapers began referring to the club as St. Mary Cray. Then in 1887 the first reference was made to the club being called Cray Wanderers, which is believed to have been inspired by a comment made after a game: “You look like a bunch of wanderers!”. Cray Wanderers were Kent League champions four times and have reached the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup twice in their history.

Nottingham Forest

Finally, one of the oldest soccer clubs in the world that made an impact on the sport is Nottingham Forest FC. Founded in 1865, it’s one of the oldest football clubs in England and was born when a group of Nottingham-based shinney (a sport similar to hockey) players met at the Clinton Arms on Shakespeare Street. A proposition was made by JS Scrimshaw to begin playing soccer instead of shinney, and the rest is history! The first official soccer match for Nottingham Forest took place on March 22, 1866, against Notts County. During the same meeting where the original proposition took place, the players also established their official team colours. The team agreed to purchase tasselled caps in 'Garibaldi Red'. This distinct colour of red was named after the leader of the Italian 'Redshirts' freedom fighters, who were popular in England at the time. After an initial rejection, Nottingham Forest FC played in the Football Alliance and went onto win the competition in 1892, granting them a place in the League. Nottingham Forest’s rich history is not only noteworthy due to its date of establishment, but also by its passionate fan base and influence in the world of soccer!

Now that you’ve had a closer look at some of the oldest soccer clubs in the world, it’s important to note that they’re more than just names marked down in history. They’re testaments to the evolution of one of the most popular sports in the modern world. From Sheffield FC’s contribution to establishing the rules of soccer to Notts County inspiring one of the most loved team kits, these clubs have all played their roles in shaping the beautiful game we love today!