With the new football season now upon us, it got me wondering after a great day at the game, what is the oldest football song that still gets sung today?
And the answer is…
The oldest known football song in the world that today is still regularly sung is “On the Ball, City” the club song of English Championship team Norwich City
Bonus Fact: The song actually pre-dates the existence of the team!
The song was originally written by Albert T. Smith in the 1890s. When Smith originally wrote it, it was intended for various local amateur sides such as the Norwich Teachers and also Caley’s FC.
When Norwich City Football Club as we know it today was created back in 1902, Smith then became a director of the club and the newly formed team which went on to adopt the chant as its official song of the terraces.
These days the song is now officially recognised by Guinness World Records as well as many football historians as the world’s oldest football song that is still in regular and continuous use. The song itself is sung by supporters at Carrow Road before every home match, as well as being heard regularly throughout the match at both home and away games.
Lyrics to “On The Ball City”
“Kick it off, throw it in, have a little scrimmage,
Keep it low, a splendid rush, bravo, win or die;
On the ball, City, never mind the danger;
Steady on, now’s your chance;
Hurrah! We’ve scored a goal.
City! City! City!”
