Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest, two members of Sheffield Cricket Club in North England, founded Sheffield Football Club 155 years ago. It is officially recognized by FIFA as the oldest soccer club in the world.
Even though it is the world's oldest club, results-wise Sheffield FC has not enjoyed much success and is currently in the eighth division of the English soccer system. However, due to its status as soccer's oldest club, Sheffield FC enjoys a lot of publicity.
The club named FIFA president Sepp Blatter as its honorary president. Soccer's most important entity bestowed Sheffield with the FIFA Order of Merit, which makes it the only club along with Real Madrid to have received such an honor. For the 150th anniversary celebration, Sheffield FC had Pelé as guest of honor.
Sheffield FC not only is the oldest soccer club in the world, but it is also credited with being an innovator and having an influence in the rules of soccer. The club introduced the solid crossbar instead of rope, as well as free kicks, corner kicks and overhead throw-ins. It is credited to be the pioneers of aerial soccer, something that was not seen in the south of England until Sheffield went to London to play a game against local players.
For more sports news, visit Terra.com.
Photo via Facebook/Sheffield F.C.
