The Home of Football
Sheffield is the birthplace of the beautiful game
When most people think Sheffield and football, their first thoughts are probably towards the city’s two current biggest clubs, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, little do they know the city’s crucial role in establishing this international sport, which is now played and adored around the globe.
Basically, without Sheffield, the modern game of football wouldn't exist. Back in 1857, pioneers Sir Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest devised 'married vs. singles' and 'professionals vs. the rest' games at their local cricket club, and founded Sheffield FC, the world's first football club.
It was shortly afterwards that they also drafted the club's rules of play - including the ball being allowed to be headed, wooden crossbars introduced, free kicks and corners being introduced, and the concept of playing under floodlights. This became the Rulebook of 1859, the official printed set of football laws and the foundation of the modern game as we know it today.
Hallam FC quickly followed suit and opened the world's first football ground (up until then matches were played at cricket grounds) in 1860 - which also led to the world's first inter-city club game being played on Boxing Day of the same year.
Whilst in 1878 there was eventually an amalgamation of rules with London rules (up until that point there were many different rules in different regions and even clubs across the country), it is widely credited that the Sheffield Rules helped shape and establish the modern game.
As a result, Sheffield FC are officially recognised by FIFA as the world’s oldest football club, and alongside Real Madrid they are the only club in the world to have received the FIFA Order of Merit, showing that amidst the global corporations that preside over modern football, grassroots clubs can still share the same platform.
“Without Sheffield FC, there wouldn’t be a me.”
Pele, 2007
Sheffield Home of Football: Walking Tour App
Want to delve more into the Sheffield's football heritage? Sheffield: Home of Football walking app is completely FREE to download and will take you on a tour of 10 historic footballing hot spots in the city.
Enhanced with audio clips and map mash-ups showing Sheffield in the 1850s and today, you will be transported back to the Victorian era when the world’s first football club started. The journey will cover the second half of the 19th century telling the stories of the first football derby, the world’s oldest Football Cup and the ancient football grounds where the games were played, many now long gone.
The app is available on both Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Football in Sheffield today
Sheffield & Hallamshire FA
The Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA is a non-profit organisation that is responsible for the administration, development and governance of grassroots football within a 20 mile radius of Sheffield Cathedral.
Formed in 1867, they are the second-oldest football governing body after the Football Association (FA).
They work in partnership with the FA to deliver the national game strategy across our county to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game.
Sheffield FC
Founded in October 1857, the club is recognised by FIFA as the oldest existing club still playing football in the world today. They've had a few club homes over the years, but nowadays, they play at the The Home of Football Stadium on the outskirts of the city. See upcoming fixtures and buy tickets on the Sheffield FC website here.
Hallam FC
While Sheffield FC may have pipped them to the oldest club title, Hallam FC can still boast the Worlds Oldest Football Ground, having played at their home on Sandygate Road, since 1860. See upcoming fixtures on their website.
Sheffield United FC
Bramall Lane is the home of Sheffield United FC, nicknamed "the Blades" due to Sheffield's history of cutlery production.
The football club was established in 1889, at Bramall Lane which holds the title of the Oldest Professional Football Ground in the World and was the first ground to ever play a floodlit match.
Sheffield Wednesday FC
Formed in 1867 as an offshoot of The Wednesday Cricket Club (itself formed in 1820), SWFC were actually known as The Wednesday Football Club until 1929.
Today, Wednesday is one of the oldest football clubs in the world, and the second-oldest professional association football club in England.
The Owls, as they are nicknamed, have played at their home stadium in Hillsborough since 1899.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 in Sheffield
The Lionesses journey to winning the UEFA Women's EURO in 2022 was exceptional and helped galvanize an entire nation and beyond.
Sheffield was one of nine cities chosen to host games for the tournament, with four of the matches played at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United's ground. This included the legendary Quarter Final match, where the Lionesses triumphed over Sweden, winning 4 - 0 on Tuesday 26 July.
The city and welcomed thousands of international visitors which contributed to the increase in footfall in Sheffield City Centre by a massive 10,000 during match days, which managed to boost the economy by an incredible £8.3m.
Legacy of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 in Sheffield
A film created by Sheffield City Council to mark one year on from hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 in the city.
Directed by Rob Speranza from the South Yorkshire Filmmakers Network, the film was created to inspire generations of players and fans and shows arts and heritage programme which ran alongside the tournament.
The excitement of the tournament swept over the UK in the summer of 2022 with the ultimate triumph for England’s Lionesses on 31 July. The cup came home with the Lionesses roaring to victory over Germany in a 2 -1 win in extra time at Wembley.
With the European title under their belts England entered the World Cup in 2023 as one of the favourites. The squad included a strong Yorkshire contingent with captain Millie Bright, and team players, Esme Morgan, Beth England, and Ellie Roebuck.
This England team were the first to reach a Women’s World Cup final and kicked off their campaign on 21 July. Sadly, despite gallant efforts all round England lost out, by 1 - 0, by an incredibly sharp Spanish team on 20 August.
We can be extremely proud of the magnificent campaign England ladies played in rejuvenating the Women’s game and putting England back on the international football map, and proud that Sheffield had a part to play in this.