OLD BUT GOLD

Inside world’s oldest football stadium which is at least 236 years old and still hosts matches in ninth tier in England

The ground used to be next to a historic pub

THE world's oldest football stadium isn't home to one of the nation's biggest clubs, but rather a side playing in the ninth tier of the English game.

Hallam FC, officially the second oldest association football club in the world, have been playing their home games at the same ground since 1860!

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Sandygate Road is the oldest football ground in the worldCredit: Alamy
Hallam FC is at least 236 years oldCredit: Alamy
Hallam FC are the second oldest club in the worldCredit: Alamy
The ground is still fitted with wood trimmings and a plaque to show the history of the stadiumCredit: Alamy
A sign on the exit of the ground reminds fans of the history tooCredit: Alamy

Their home, Sandygate Road, boasts the title of the oldest football stadium around.

Located in Sheffield, the first inter-club game played at the ground was on Boxing Day 1860.

The clash pitted Hallam and Stumperlow against neighbours Sheffield FC - the oldest club in the world.

That match was the first inter-club football game ever played.

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The earliest record of the ground dates even further back to 1789.

It remains in use with Hallam currently using the pitch to play out their Northern Counties East League Premier Division games.

The stadium can hold 1,350 fans on a matchday, with seating available for just 275 of those fans.

But those keen on heading to watch the second oldest club play in the oldest stadium won't have to fork out Premier League prices, with a matchday ticket at Hallam costing just £6 for an adult.

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While there has also been the sad demolition of The Plough Inn pub from across the way.

The old pub is where captains from both teams would agree to rules before kick-off.

Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable in incredible new plans to redevelop main stand

However, despite much campaigning from locals, the pub was torn down in 2023.

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Hallam FC are currently fifth in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

For now, they proudly keep a contemporary copy of the Youdan Cup - a competition pre-dating the FA Cup - that they won in 1867.

Hallam FC keep a contemporary copy of the Youdan Cup trophy they won in 1867Credit: Alamy
Seats allow for 275 fans in the stadiumCredit: Alamy
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Around 1,350 spectators can watch at the groundCredit: Alamy
Hallam FC are currently fifth in the Northern Counties East League Premier DivisionCredit: Alamy
The clubhouse looks no different to other clubs in the ninth tier of footballCredit: Alamy
A view from 1991 shows how the round has changed in 33 yearsCredit: Alamy
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The Plough Inn, which used to sit across from SandygateCredit: Crosthwaite Commercial
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