Born on October 26
Founding of the Football Association
The day football agreed its rules.
Next: October 26, 2027
Where it comes from
On the evening of Monday 26 October 1863, the captains and secretaries of a dozen London clubs and schools met at the Freemasons' Tavern in Great Queen Street and formed the Football Association. Until then each club played its own version of football, and arguments over the rules were common.
How it's celebrated
There is no organised observance, but the date is remembered across the game. The FA celebrated its 150th anniversary with a gala dinner on 26 October 2013, on the site of the old tavern.
Did you know
The first Laws still let players catch the ball for a free kick; the fiercest argument was over 'hacking', kicking an opponent's shins, which the final version of 8 December 1863 banned.
Read the full story of Founding of the Football Association
Star sign
Scorpio · October 23 – November 21 · Water sign
Intense and private, with a loyalty that runs deep.