10 Oldest Football Clubs That Still Exist | 2024

Finding the oldest football clubs is somewhat tricky. Clubs from the late 1850s and 1860s all say they’re the oldest. Adding to the confusion, many early rugby clubs also call themselves football clubs.

Still, this list talks about the nine oldest soccer clubs globally. Formed around the same time, these clubs often don’t have exact founding dates, leading to debates about who’s older.

Our list is organized based on our research.

10 Oldest Football Clubs

Football, or soccer as it’s commonly referred to in the United States, has been a cherished sport for centuries.

Despite significant changes in the rules and regulations over time, one constant factor has been the enduring passion and dedication of football fans worldwide.

Interestingly, some of these clubs have been in existence since the 50’s, than one might assume.

1. Sheffield United FC (1857)

Year Established: 1857

Location: Sheffield, England

Home Stadium: Bramall Lane

Nickname(s): The Blades

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: Premier League

Sheffield United FC is the oldest soccer club, founded by members of the Sheffield United Cricket Club.

They were the first English sports team to use ‘United’ in their name. Known as “The Blades” due to Sheffield’s cutlery history, the club, once in the Premier League, now competes in the Championship.

With a rich history, they’ve secured four First Division titles, one FA Cup, and four League Cups. Bramall Lane, their home ground with a unique design, accommodates over 32,000 fans.

Despite changes, Sheffield United FC, as the world’s oldest soccer club, remains cherished and important in English soccer.

2. Hallam FC (1860)

Year Established: 1860

Location: Crosspool, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Home Stadium: Sandygate

Nickname(s): The Countrymen

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: Northern Counties East League Premier Division

Based near Sheffield, England, is the second oldest soccer club, founded over 160 years ago in 1860.

Its roots trace back to 1804 when a team played near the Plough Inn on Sandygate Road. They still play locally at Sandygate Road Stadium, hosting nearly a thousand fans.

Despite challenges like finances and facility upgrades, Hallam FC perseveres. Currently competing in the tenth tier, the Northern Counties East Football League Division One, they achieved the title of Champions in 2022.

Remaining deeply rooted in their community, Hallam FC’s enduring presence showcases the club’s resilience and commitment to the beautiful game.

2. Cray Wanderers (1860)

Year Established: 1860

Location: Sidcup, London

Home Stadium: Hayes Lane, Bromley

Nickname(s): The Wands

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: Isthmian League Premier Division

Cray Wanderers trace their roots back to the construction of the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway line from 1858 to 1860.

Migrant workers, during their leisure hours, began kicking a ball around, giving rise to the club in St Mary Cray village. The current Star Lane pitch, now a cemetery, lies beneath the nine-arch railway viaduct spanning the Cray Valley.

The local industrial zone along the River Cray, particularly the paper mills, played a significant role in supporting the club until the 1950s.

They play at Bromley’s Hayes Lane ground (holds 5,000).

They’re working on a new stadium in Sidcup at the old Flamingo Park. The club won the Kent League four times and made it to the FA Cup’s fourth qualifying round twice. Right now, they’re in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

3. Notts County (1862)

Year Established: 1862

Location: Nottingham, England

Home Stadium: Meadow Lane

Nickname(s): The Magpies

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: EFL League Two

Notts County FC, from Nottingham, England, started in 1862 before The Football Association.

They played their own game initially, seen as early pioneers. Meadow Lane, their home with 19,000 seats, witnessed their journey through various leagues.

From the top tier to the current fifth, the National League, Notts County FC achieved notable success, with two FA Cups, four League Cups, and top-tier titles in the early 1900s.

As one of the oldest soccer clubs, their rich history reflects their contributions to the modern game.

20 Of The Greatest Juventus Players Of All Time

4. Stoke Ramblers or Stoke City FC (1863)

Year Established: 1863

Location: Staffordshire, England

Home Stadium: bet365 Stadium

Nickname(s): The Potters

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: EFL Championship

Stoke Ramblers, one of the oldest soccer clubs, was founded in 1863.

It later became Stoke in 1878 and then Stoke City FC in 1925 when Stoke-on-Trent became a city.

Home matches are played at the 30,000-seat Bet365 Stadium. Over the years, Stoke City FC achieved notable successes, winning the Football League Cup in 1972 and being FA Cup runners-up three times.

Currently, they compete in the Championship, the second tier of English soccer, after being relegated from the Premier League in 2018.

5. Royal Engineers AFC (1863)

Year Established: 1863

Location: Chatham, Kent, England

Home Stadium: Number one ground, Chatham

Nickname(s): Sappers

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: Army Football Association

Formed way back in 1863, Royal Engineers AFC, also known as the Sappers, is a British Army soccer club.

They rank fifth among the oldest soccer clubs, with notable wins in the late 1800s, clinching the FA Cup in 1875, 1876, and 1880. In the pre-war years, the team produced players like Vivian Woodward and George Edward “Teddy” Wright, who later played for professional clubs, including Manchester City.

Presently, the club continues to represent the British Army, engaging in matches with military teams worldwide. Beyond soccer, they actively support charitable initiatives, raising funds for military personnel and their families.

6. Brigg Town (1864)

Year Established: 1864

Location: Lincolnshire, England

Home Stadium: The Hawthorns

Nickname(s): The Zebras

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: Northern Counties East League Division One

Brigg Town FC, nicknamed ‘The Zebras,’ is a semi-pro soccer club from Brigg, North Lincolnshire, England.

The club started in 1864. In 1881–82, they joined the first Lincolnshire Senior Cup and made it to the final, but lost to Spilsby. The next season, they reached the final again but once more lost to Spilsby.

They currently compete in the Northern Counties East Football League, the tenth tier of English soccer.

Their home ground, The Hawthorns, can hold about 2,500 fans. Brigg Town had a successful stint in the 1990s, winning the Northern Counties East League and reaching the FA Cup’s first round three times.

7. Wrexham AFC (1864)

Year Established: 1864

Location: Wrexham, Wales

Home Stadium: Racecourse Ground

Nickname(s): The Red Dragons, The Robins, The Town

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: EFL League Two

The oldest soccer club in Wales started in 1864 when members of Wrexham Cricket Club sought a winter sport.

The club spent 13 seasons in the Combination and two seasons in the Welsh Senior League. They clinched four Combination titles and two Welsh Senior League titles. In 1905, they joined the Birmingham & District League, staying there until becoming original members of the Football League’s Third Division North in 1921.

After 37 years in the Northern section, they moved to the reorganized Third Division in 1958 and faced relegation two years later. Wrexham earned promotion from the Fourth Division in 1961–62, but was relegated again two years later.

In its 150-year history, Wrexham has had ups and downs, winning the Welsh Cup 23 times and making the European Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals in 1976-77.

Facing financial challenges and relegations with ownership changes, the club took a new turn in 2021 when Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought it, promising to invest and elevate its status.

12 Richest Soccer Club Owners As Of 2023: A Look Into The Elite Ranks

8. Nottingham Forest (1865)

Year Established: 1865

Location: West Bridgford, Nottingham, England

Home Stadium: City Ground

Nickname(s): Forest The Reds Tricky Trees The Garibaldi

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: Premier League

Founded in 1865 by a group of Shinty players from Scotland, the club stands among the oldest soccer clubs in existence today.

Nottingham Forest has won two UEFA Champions League titles (formerly European Cups), along with one UEFA Super Cup, one League title, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and one FA Charity Shield.

The club has consistently participated in the top two tiers of English football since joining the Football League, except for five seasons in the third tier. The most prosperous era was under the management of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

During this period, Nottingham Forest achieved consecutive victories in the European Cup in 1979 and 1980.

9. Cambridge University AFC (1866)

Year Established: 1866

Location: Cambridge, UK

Home Stadium: Grange Road Stadium/Fenner’s Pitches

Nickname(s): Blues

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: BUCS Midlands 1A

The University of Cambridge’s soccer representation, a club with a disputed founding year, is entrenched in historical debates.

While some assert its establishment in 1856, aligning with the inception of Cambridge soccer rules, others, including game experts, lean towards a later initiation around 1866.

As one of the enduring soccer clubs, it maintains a strong link to academic excellence, with its player roster traditionally comprised of current or former university students.

The club’s home ground at Grange Road accommodates up to 2,000 supporters. In 2017, they clinched the Southern Amateur League title and left an indelible mark in the late 1800s by producing several England internationals.

10. Queens Park FC (1867)

Year Established: 1867

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Home Stadium: Hampden Park

Nickname(s): The Spiders

Still Exist: Yes

Current League: Scottish Championship

Queens Park FC, a member of the Scottish League Two, sits gently on the tenth position among the oldest soccer clubs.

Established in 1867, the team is located on the south side of Glasgow.

The club’s home matches take place at Ochilview Park in Stenhousemuir, with a capacity of approximately 3,700, including over 600 seated spectators.

Queens Park FC has enjoyed periods of success, most notably clinching ten Scottish Cups in the late 1800s.

The club has won five league titles and earned the distinction of fourth-tier champions in 2021, adding to its rich and storied legacy.

Which Football Club Is The Oldest In The World?

25 Greatest Spanish Footballers of All Time | 2024

You Might Also Want To Read This

• Top 20 Oldest Football Leagues In The World
• 15 Biggest Soccer Stadiums In The World
• Soccer Stadiums: How Much Does It Cost To Build
• What Happened To Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium?
• 5 Of The Best stadiums in the Chinese Super League
• 2026 World Cup Potential Stadiums & Cities
• 10 Of The Greatest Danish Players Of All Time
• 10 Of The Greatest Irish Soccer Players Of All Time