News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Sunderland Football Club 150th Main Statement

Sunderland Football Club 150th Main Statement

Nathan Scott18 Jan 2023 - 22:53
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.sunderlandrugby.co

Did you know we were and still are Sunderland Football Club? Check out this article by Keith Gregson

Boxing Day 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of first appearance of a Sunderland side
- Keith Gregson

Evidence points strongly to Sunderland Football Club being formed during the early part of the Christmas holidays 1873. Known today as Sunderland Rugby Football Club, this club had SFC as its title on all documentation until 1887 when it became part of Sunderland Cricket and Football Club (SCFC). It is still registered with the Rugby Football Union as Sunderland Football Club. Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC), widely renowned as F.A. Cup winners and Football League champions, was formed as a teachers’ side in October 1879. As suggested by its eventual title SAFC has always played under the association rules.

The first reference to a Sunderland side playing under the rugby rules is traceable to 26 December (Boxing Day) 1873 when a team of that name took on a ‘Pick-Up’ side at Sunderland Cricket Club’s Holmeside ground. Today the ground is the site of Yates’ public house. The club’s first inter-club match took place against Darlington on 24 January 1874. So far three further inter-club matches have been discovered during the 1873/4 season – all in March. The first in Sunderland (7 March at Holmeside) was a return match against Darlington. The second (14 March) was another home game - against Newcastle College of Physical Sciences (today Newcastle University) and a third (21st March) away to The Northumberland Club (Newcastle Falcons).

By April 1874 and the end of the 1873/4 season all the signs are that Sunderland Football Club was established and firmly grounded. In April, three of its players were selected to play for a side representing Durham County and during the summer months a number of athletes taking part in sports were rugby players and gave their home club as SFC.

When the first club meeting of the 1874/5 season was held in October 1874 and fixtures for the season announced, Sunderland Football Club was clearly on the map. During the five years which followed, (and at the end of which Sunderland AFC was formed) , Sunderland Football Club was noted frequently as one of the leading rugby playing clubs in the entire north of England.

Interesting facts

  • Sunderland Football Club - I have indisputable proof that we are and have always have been Sunderland Football Club

  • Boxing Day 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of first appearance of a Sunderland side

My book/booklet will provide evidence for all these statements as well as pen pictures of all players whose names appear during this first season. Many will be of extreme interest including of course Alfred Hudson (oldest recognised existing club kit), Arthur Campbell Man (oldest man to die in Australian Forces WW1), Abel Chapman (Wild Life Explorer and Hunter), Laing brothers (links to formation of RFU in 1871) and the 6 Kayll brothers (who once all turned out for the 1st XV in the same game). Moves afoot to get the kit out in public during 2023/4 season.

Article Written by Keith Gregson

Further reading