City stuff

Sheffield Home of Football – Guided Walking Tours ⚽

Published By Sheffield BID

📖 Article published 27 October 2025. All information correct at time of publication. 

Did you know that Sheffield is the home of modern association football?

Sheffield has a multitude of recognised claims to this accolade including...

  • the first official set of documented rules for playing football in the World (1857)
  • the first official football club in the World (Sheffield FC in 1857)
  • the first knockout football tournament and trophy in the World (Youdan Cup 1867)
  • More registered teams playing modern football to a single set of rules in the World during 1857 to 1875 (192 teams – more than 50% of the known registered teams in the World)
  • A major role in the establishment of the English FA and the unified modern game of football in England (1863 to 1877 and beyond)
  • And numerous recognised pioneers of the game on and off the pitch.

Sheffield’s public and all football fans alike can learn more about Sheffield’s contribution to the origins of the modern association football game in an enlightening series of guided football walks given by Sheffield Home of Football (SHOF) historians and volunteers taking in Sheffield city centre were many architects of the game lived, worked and defined the game. 

SHOF guided walks also pass many Blue Plaques that have been installled by SHOF, with the support of partners, to recognise the people, places and events that celebrate and champion Sheffield’s unique footballing history.

📸 Sheffield Home of Football

SHOF walks are designed and led by knowledgeable guides, often supported by the charity’s trustees and historians. These include Sheffield historians and authors John Stocks, John Clarke and Steve Wood.

To find out more about the SHOF Guided Walks, and to book a place on a walk, click here. 

Sheffield Home of Football ⚽

More on Sheffield Home of Football ⚽

  • Click here to view the SHOF Blue Plaques and read about the people and places that demonstrate Sheffield’s unique modern football history.
  • Find out all about the SHOF Charity by clicking here.
  • To visit the SHOF website and see their ever-increasing ‘museum’ of the modern game and Sheffield’s role in creating it click here.
  • You can also connect with SHOF on their facebook page and read the ever growing and fascinating contribution Sheffield has made to the modern association football.