Return of the Rules Derby

7th January 2025

The original football derby returns to Sheffield this January, 164 years since it first took place.

Sheffield might have the Steel City Derby, contested by the Blades and the Owls. But it also lays claim to the world’s oldest derby: the Rules Derby played by the two oldest clubs, Sheffield FC and Hallam FC.

The teams have drawn each other in the quarter finals of Sheffield FA’s Senior Cup. Ahead of the county cup tie, on Saturday 14th January, we look at the legacy of this iconic fixture.

Sheffield FC, a football team wearing their home strip of red and black kits.
Sheffield FC first team 2024-25

The Rules Derby dates to Boxing Day 1860 when the very first inter-club match took place.

Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest club formed in 1857, beat newcomers and neighbours Hallam FC 2-0 that day. But little did either club know just how much the fixture would influence the future of football.

It was named the Rules Derby as the original match was played using Sheffield rules. These were written by members of Sheffield FC in 1858 and were used until 1879.

You couldn’t pick the ball up and run with it, but you could catch it if it was in the air. There was also to be no hacking, tripping, seriously fouling or injuring other players.

Many aspects of modern football started in Sheffield, such as 11-a-side teams, 90-minute games, ball size, free kicks and corner kicks, crossbar, heading and passing, and referees.

Some things have changed since 1860; there were 16 men on each team in the first derby. But as in that game, January’s fixture will be played at the world’s oldest football ground, Sandygate, the historic home of Hallam FC.

Hallam FC, a football team wearing navy training suits sat in the stands at their home ground Sandygate.
Hallam FC first team 2024-25

While the friendly derby fixture has taken place over 150 times, it will be 12 years since the clubs played each other professionally.

Both have been in different non-league divisions for many years. Sheffield FC play in the NPL East Division, while Hallam FC are in the league below, the NCEL Premier Division.

Whoever makes it through to the semi-final will be up against strong competition. Other clubs still in the Senior Cup include Stockbridge Park Steels, Barnsley FC Under 21s, and last year’s cup winners, Worksop Town.

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