140 years ago today : Sheffield Association and the Football Association amalagamate

Sheffield FC had joined the F.A. back in 1863 but had continued to play under its own rules. The final barrier to the two codes joining was whether a throw-in could be thrown in any direction (London Laws) or at right angles (Sheffield Rules). With Sheffield’s acceptance of this rule, finally the two codes amalgamated in 1877:

“The Sheffield Association has decided to join with the Football Association in the adoption of the Clydesdale amendment with regard to the throw from touch. This union makes one code for association players in England, so that at last, after many attempts, the Football Association and Sheffield have Amalgamated, a step that will be greatly conducive to the advancement of the dribbling game”. Sheffield Independent. Saturday 28 April 1877