WHERE IT ALL BEGAN...

A World United. Football crosses all continents and transcends all religious divides. In a very real sense it brings the world together. So where did it all begin, this game for a new world?

EARLIEST RECORDS
There are records of earlier forms of football being played in China that date back almost 2000 years; and a form of the game was enjoyed in ancient Greece and Rome. However it was in England that this sport was to take shape and become the game the world now recognizes as football.

BRINGING ORDER TO CHAOS
By the mid 19th century the game had evolved somewhat with various Public Schools and Universities who introduced their own idiosyncratic laws that co-existed. What was needed though was a strong set of individuals to impose a standard set of laws and that is precisely what happened in Sheffield.

Sheffield Football Club’s influence on the modern game cannot be overstated. They have pioneered the writing of a commonly accepted set of rules, played a key role in the formation of the FA and were involved in a host of innovations such as the first crossbar, the first corner kick, the first free kick and the first floodlit match.

1857	Sheffield FC is founded. The club’s committee study the various rules and codes of Mob Football, and lay down their own set of standardised laws which become the foundation of the modern game.
1863	Sheffield Club members are instrumental in the formation of the English Football Association.
1866	Sheffield play the first inter-city match with London City at Battersea Park. The sight of the Sheffield players butting the ball reduce the London players and fans to fits of laughter. Heading is born.
1872	Sir Charles Clegg, a regular feature on the Sheffield FC teamsheet, plays in the first international match between England and Scotland.
1904	Sheffield FC celebrate their finest hour by lifting the FA Amateur cup. The final, against Ealing, draws 6,000 supporters and sees Sheffield run out as 3-1 victors.
1957	The Club celebrate their centenary at the Cutlers Hall, which is attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Sir Stanley Rous.
2001	The club proudly move into their current home, progress to the fourth qualifying round of the FA cup, and clinch the NCEFL Cup.
2004	Sheffield FC is recognised by FIFA alongside Real Madrid for their services to football with a Centennial Order of Merit.
2007	The club celebrates 150th anniversary with a ‘service to football’ attended by Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA and other key dignatories.