The History of English Football Clubs

From the birth of the Football League in 1888 with just 12 founding members to the global spectacle of today’s Premier League, English football boasts a rich and storied history. The sport, considered to have its modern rules established in England in 1863, is deeply woven into the fabric of communities across the country, with over 40,000 clubs in existence.

This directory provides a gateway to the fascinating histories of the clubs that form the top tiers of the English football league system. Delve into the origins and achievements of teams in the Premier League, the EFL Championship, EFL League One, and EFL League Two.

The Premier League, formed in 1992, consists of 20 clubs and is the pinnacle of the English game. Below it, the English Football League (EFL) governs the Championship, League One, and League Two, each comprising 24 teams. The EFL itself is the world’s original league football competition.

Explore the clubs that have shaped English football, from the earliest pioneers to the modern giants of the game. Discover the stories behind their founding, their periods of dominance, and the passionate rivalries that define the sport.