Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The beautiful game celebrates its birthday today – as Sheffield FC turns 155 years old.

The proud Yorkshire club is recognised as the oldest in the world after it was founded by pioneers Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest on October 24 1857.

They drew up the first recognised rule book, introducing innovations that revolutionised the game including the first crossbar, corner kick, free kick and throw-in.

Now, bosses are urging football fans from around the world to join them in a social media campaign to mark their special day with the launch of ‘Happy Birthday Football’.

Richard Tims, Sheffield FC chairman, said it was a proud moment for the club and that he hoped fans would join in their celebrations.

He said: "This is a great opportunity for fans from all corners of the globe to share in our famous history.

"As the world's first recognised football club, we are proud to have helped shape the beautiful game that we all know and love today.

"Clubs from every continent can trace a direct line back to Sheffield FC and we hope to help connect football as a global community in celebrating our birthday.

"We want fans from all over the world to join us by supporting our campaign and share our landmark date as the birth of the modern game.

"The campaign is being supported by fans, clubs and media all over the world including by our friends and FIFA and the FA.

“We want to make this day 'World Football Day' every year."

The club currently play in Evo-Stik League First Division South, where they are fourth in the table.

In 2004, they received a prestigious FIFA Order of Merit in recognition of their unique place in football.

The club are recognized by FIFA as the oldest in the world, and marked their 150 birthday with a game against Inter Milan.

To show your support for the social media campaign, you can ‘like’ the club’s celebration Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/1857Football

Fans can also send the club a Happy Birthday message on Twitter by using the hashtag: #happybirthdayfootball

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

For more information, visit: http://www.1857-football.com/