What does the future look like for the world's oldest football club?
Harry Jones looks at what the future looks like for the world’s oldest football club
When talking about Sheffield’s footballing scene, many think about the two main Sheffield clubs contesting in the Steel City derby.
However, there is the world’s oldest football club, once based in the city, which plays it’s matches in nearby Derbyshire, at the 2089 capacity Home of Football Ground.
Sheffield FC has been praised by the iconic Brazilian footballer Pele, who at the 150th anniversary of The Club, said, “Without Sheffield FC there wouldn’t be me.”
The club has been formally recognised by FIFA as the founding club of association football.
The fact the football club doesn’t have a home in the city is a travesty, however new owner Jon McClure, who took over as chairman in March 2026, plans to move the club back within Sheffield borders.
Sheffield FC compete in the United Counties Premier Division North, which is the ninth level of the English football pyramid.
The FA moved them from the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) Premier Division into the United Counties League (UCL) Premier North for the 2026/27 season, which was met with backlash from the club as it increases costs for travel as they were moved from a largely Yorkshire-based league.
The Club won the FA Amateur Cup in 1904 and finished runners up of the FA Vase in 1977 but have never managed to get to the upper reaches of the English footballing pyramid.
A push up non-league would be a big ask; however, one just needs to look at Dorking Wanderers historic rise from the 17th tier to the fifth tier in 23 seasons for inspiration.
New investment from performing arts firm IAV Holdings Limited that included the Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure is a boost, as they took over the day-to-day running of the club.
Short term goals for the men's side include clearing club debts and improving finances, as well as improving the club’s brand image off-the-pitch.
The club also controversially changed their badge ahead of the new season.
More longer-term goals include building a new 5,000-seater stadium at the former Sheffield Transports Sports Club site at Meadowhead.
The plan would be to share it with the Sheffield Eagles Rugby Team.
There are also ambitious goals for the women’s side, with the club looking to compete at the top of the table whilst raising the club’s profile locally and nationally.
Sheffield FC Women also had their shirt sponsored by Spice Girl Melanie C for the 2026/27 season, demonstrating their increasing wide-ranging appeal.
The future looks promising for Sheffield FC's men's and women's teams, however it’s likely to take patience, investment and a bit of luck along the way.