the trailblazer of later district affiliations

The new principles were not generally acknowledged in Britain, notwithstanding; numerous clubs held their own guidelines, particularly in and around Sheffield. In spite of the fact that this northern English city was the home of the primary commonplace club to join the FA, in 1867 it additionally brought forth the Sheffield Football Association. ----

---- Sheffield and London clubs played two matches against one another in 1866, and after a year a match setting a club from Middlesex in opposition to one from Kent and Surrey was played under the modified principles. In 1871 15 FA clubs acknowledged an encouragement to enter a cup rivalry and to add to the acquisition of a prize. By 1877 the relationship of Great Britain had settled upon a uniform code, 43 clubs were in rivalry, and the London clubs' underlying predominance had lessened.