10 Oldest Active English Football Clubs

Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has a long and fascinating history, with the earliest known game being played in the 11th century in England. Today, the English Football League is one of the oldest and most successful leagues in the world. It is home to many of the oldest active football clubs in the world, with some of them having been in existence for more than 150 years.

In this article, we’ll be looking at 10 of the oldest active English football clubs, their histories, and their achievements. From Sheffield Football Club to Marlow Football Club, these clubs have had a major impact on the sport’s history and have made the English Football League what it is today.

10. Marlow Football Club

photo source:  Bucks Free Press

Marlow Football Club has a long and storied history in English football. The club was founded in 1870 and initially played friendly matches against local teams. In 1894, Marlow FC joined the newly formed Great Western Suburban League, and in the following years, they played in various regional leagues. In the 1935-1936 season, the club reached the third round of the FA Cup, a significant achievement for a semi-professional team.

Over the years, Marlow FC has produced several notable players who have gone on to play for professional clubs. One of the most famous players to come out of Marlow is Garry Haylock. He played for the club in the early 1990s before going on to play for Reading and Queens Park Rangers. Other former Marlow players include Matty Collins, who played for Cardiff City and Yeovil Town, and Mark West, who played for several clubs including Plymouth Argyle and Bristol Rovers.

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On the pitch, the club has improved its performances, finishing in the top half of the Southern League Division One South in the 2019-2020 season before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the remaining fixtures.

9. Maidenhead United Football Club

photo source:  Football in Berkshire

Maidenhead United Football Club is a professional football club based in the town of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England. The club was founded in 1870 and has a proud history in English football. They currently play in the National League, which is the fifth tier of the English football league system.

Throughout its history, Maidenhead United FC has achieved several notable successes, including winning the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup four times and reaching the semi-finals of the FA Trophy in the 2016-2017 season. In recent years, Maidenhead United FC has made significant progress both on and off the pitch, with the development of new facilities and improved performances on the field.

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The club has also produced several professional players, including Alex Finney, who went on to play for Queens Park Rangers and Maidstone United.

8. Sheffield Wednesday Football Club

photo source: Twitter

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club is one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world, having been founded in 1867. The club is based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England and plays its home games at Hillsborough Stadium, which has a capacity of over 39,000 spectators. Sheffield Wednesday FC has a proud history, having won four top-flight league titles, three FA Cups, and one League Cup throughout its history.

Sheffield Wednesday FC has also produced several notable players over the years, including Chris Waddle, John Sheridan, and David Hirst, who were all part of the club’s successful team in the early 1990s. The club’s chairman is Dejphon Chansiri, who took over in 2015 and has since overseen the development of the club both on and off the pitch.

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The club’s nickname, “The Owls,” is a reference to the bird that is associated with wisdom, which reflects the club’s long-standing history and tradition.

7. Nottingham Forest Football Club

photo source: The Telegraph

Nottingham Forest Football Club has a long-standing history in English football, having been founded in 1865. Over the years, the club has experienced great success, winning numerous trophies, including two European Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, one Football League First Division title, two FA Cups, and four Football League Cups.

The club’s loyal fan base and passionate supporters make every home game at the City Ground a memorable experience. With a strong youth academy, the club continues to nurture young talent and develop promising players who will help shape the future of English football. Under the guidance of their current chairman, Nicholas Randall KC, Nottingham Forest FC is committed to upholding its proud traditions and maintaining its position as one of the most respected clubs in English football.

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Nottingham Forest FC has also produced several notable players who have gone on to become legends of English football, such as Stuart Pearce, Brian Clough, and Roy Keane.

6. Wrexham Association Football Club

photo source: Sky News

Wrexham Association Football Club is a professional football club based in Wrexham, North Wales. The club was founded in 1864.  They have a rich history and have played in several different leagues over the years, including the English Football League and the Welsh Premier League. Wrexham AFC is known for its passionate fan base and has a fierce rivalry with nearby clubs, including Chester and Shrewsbury Town.

The club has won several notable trophies throughout its history, including the Welsh Cup 23 times, the FA Trophy once, and the Football League Trophy once. In 2020, Wrexham AFC was purchased by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who have injected new energy and enthusiasm into the club.

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The club’s home ground is the Racecourse Ground, which has a capacity of over 10,000 spectators.

5. Brigg Town Football Club

photo source: Pitchero

Brigg Town Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in the town of Brigg, North Lincolnshire, England. The club was founded in 1864, making it one of the oldest football clubs in the country. They currently play in the Northern Counties East League Division One, which is the tenth tier of the English football league system.

Throughout its history, Brigg Town FC has enjoyed several notable successes, including winning the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy twice and reaching the final of the FA Vase in the 1995-1996 season. Brigg Town FC also has strong links with the local community and works closely with local schools and community groups to promote the values of sport and teamwork.

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Brigg Town FC has a loyal fan base and plays its home games at The Hawthorns, which has a capacity of 1,500 spectators.

4. Stoke City Football Club

photo source: Coventry City

Stoke City Football Club is a professional soccer team established in 1863 and located in Stoke-on-Trent, England. They have a rich history, and are one of the oldest football clubs in the world. With a capacity of over 30,000 spectators, the team plays home games at the Bet365 Stadium. The team has a fierce rivalry with nearby football clubs such as Port Vale, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Stoke City has enjoyed several successful periods throughout its history, including winning the Football League Cup in 1972 and reaching the FA Cup final in 2011. The club’s current chairmen are John Coates and Peter Coates, who also own the team. Stoke City FC is recognized for its passionate fanbase, the “Stoke City faithful,” and its community involvement through local initiatives and charitable causes.

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The club is known as “The Potters” in reference to Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery industry.

3. Notts County Football Club

photo source: Notts County Football Club

Notts County Football Club is a professional football club based in Nottingham, England. They have a rich history and have played in several different leagues over the years, including the English Football League, the National League, and the Conference North. The club’s home ground is Meadow Lane, which has a capacity of over 19,000 spectators. Notts County FC is known for its passionate fan base and has a fierce rivalry with nearby clubs, including Nottingham Forest and Mansfield Town.

The club has won several notable trophies throughout its history, including the Football League Third Division twice, the Football League Fourth Division twice, and the Anglo-Italian Cup once. With a rich history, passionate fan base, and commitment to developing young talent, Notts County FC is one of the most respected football clubs in England.

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The club has a proud tradition of nurturing young talent and has produced several notable players who have gone on to become stars of English football, including Jack Lane, Jimmy Logan, and Tony Hateley.

2. Hallam Football Club

photo source: Hallam FC

Hallam Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in the city of Sheffield, England. Established in 1860, it is recognized as the second-oldest football club in the world, and it has a long-standing history of playing against other notable football clubs in England, including Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United. Hallam FC currently competes in the Northern Counties East League Division One, which is the tenth tier of the English football league system.

The club’s home ground is Sandygate Road, which is also recognized as the oldest football ground in the world that has been continuously used for football matches since 1860. Hallam FC has a dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly to support the club, and its current chairman, Richard Pillinger, has been instrumental in keeping the club running smoothly.

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Hallam FC is affectionately known as “The Countrymen” due to its rural roots and has a strong connection to the local community.

1. Sheffield Football Club

photo source: Northern Premier League

Sheffield Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Sheffield, England. It is the oldest English football club having been founded in 1857. The club has a long and proud history of playing football and has competed in various leagues over the years. Currently, the club plays in the Northern Premier League and their home ground is the Coach and Horses Ground.

One of the most notable features of Sheffield FC is their commitment to promoting the values of fair play and sportsmanship in football. The club has won several trophies throughout its history, including the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup nine times, the Northern Premier League Challenge Cup twice, and the Northern Counties East League Cup twice. In addition to their success on the pitch, Sheffield FC is known for their passionate fan base, who are often referred to as “Clubites.”

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The club crest of Sheffield FC is unique, featuring a club ball and the motto “More Skill Than Brutality.” This emphasizes the club’s dedication to fair play and sportsmanship.