World’s first football team aims for return to Sheffield with £2m global campaign

Sheffield FC, the world’s first football club, is set for a return to the city at the Olive Grove Sports ground where the first set of rules were developed by the founders of the Club back in 1857.

Sheffield City Council has fully supported the return of Sheffield FC, which spawned the modern game leading to 350,000 clubs, 300 million active players and 1.6 billion fans.

The council assisted in reaching an agreement for the land to be used on a lease basis.

The historic move consists of a three stage process that will take several years, and is announced at the same time the Club officially launches a worldwide funding campaign to raise £2m.

The first stage will feature the creation of a playing area, maintenance of the area, a new driveway and fencing around the area

Phase two, which will be subject to future public consultation, planning and funding, will see the creation of a football site suitable for non-league standards, including, changing rooms, small stands and the infrastructure for fans.

Phase Three will then see the money from the fundraising campaign used to develop a community and history centre to showcase the role the Club has played in football.

This will feature a museum, classrooms, educational facilities and the original greenhouse of 1857.

The Club has worked closely with the committee of the Olive Grove Sports Club, which will have a seat on the board of Sheffield FC.

Richard Tims, Sheffield FC Chairman, said: “We really are establishing a new spiritual home for football on the original ground and, as a charitable foundation, we will continue to protect and preserve the world’s first football club, back where it all began.

“Sheffield FC has played football without a permanent home and its own ground for more than 140 years. Now it’s time to take the club back home to Olive Grove in Sheffield to where it all began. We’re looking forward to working with the city, the local community and schools in developing our plans for the site.

“Let’s all remember, without Sheffield FC there would be no game as we know it today. So, the efforts of so many people and, in particular, the city council and Olive Grove Sports Club to make this happen should be applauded. We hope it will provide the impetus for people and football fans across the world to back our unique fundraising campaign and, of course, visit our original home adding to Sheffield’s appeal as a destination city.

“I have just returned from Europe where I briefed football clubs and organisations about our plans and the fundraising efforts. As a result a number of clubs – including Borussia Dortmund – have said they will financially support our campaign.”

Sheffield City Council has played a significant role in the move, creating a partnership between the football club and the sports club committee to facilitate safeguards, arrangements for existing users and a sustainable immediate future for the ground.

Councillor Isobel Bowler, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Sheffield City Council, added: “It’s great to welcome Sheffield FC back to the city. This is a boost for the club, the city and Olive Grove sports ground.

“While the club is known throughout the world as the oldest football club, they also do great work with local teams and schools, and are a real credit to Sheffield.

“We’re particularly pleased that the club will work closely with the existing committee at Olive Grove to secure the future of this important sports ground.”

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