Reading FC are set to commemorate the clubs first ever match when they take on Reading School later this month. 

As part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations, a Reading FC academy side will once again travel to the school and partake in a celebratory fixture.

The match will take place on Wednesday, 23 February and will be played as close to the rules of 1872 as possible.

150 years ago, February, 21 1872, Reading FC travelled to Erleigh Road to take on a Reading School side for the first time.

The 0-0 draw at King’s Meadow was followed up by the club’s first win, against the same opponents, on the school grounds.

The first half of the 80-minute game will see no penalty area, no nets, 13 a side, no substitutes and line-outs for throw-ins while the second half of the match will be played based on the modern laws.

Treasurer and Heritage and History expert for the Supporters Trust at Reading, Roger Titford, believes being able to do something like this is very unique in English football.

He said: “It would be very tricky for other clubs to put on a match between the same two opponents, on the same pitch 150 years later.

“That’s amazing in itself.

“With the help of Macron we’ve created a kit as close to what we can of what they would’ve played in in 1872, and we’ve researched the rules of the game at the time.

“The rules were very much like rugby so it will be interesting to see how the young players cope with it.”

A former student at Reading School himself, Mr Titford also feels it is very apt that it takes place on a Wednesday, with Wednesday afternoon formerly being a games afternoon for the school.

Gates will open at 12.45pm and kick-off is at 1.30pm.

This event is only open to members of the Redingensians community and Reading Football Club season ticket holders.

Adult tickets cost £6 whilst children are £3, and a commemorative programme is available for £3.

The anniversary celebrations don’t stop there, with the club celebrating the milestone on Saturday’s game with Coventry City.

More than 22,000 are expected to be in attendance after the original date was forced to be cancelled due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Royals squad.

Reading Chronicle:

Above: STAR former players event, with Neil Webb, Ady Williams and Tom McIntyre (credit: Roger Titford)

 

March will see the Reading FC fan mural finished on the outside of the SCL Stadium, as well as a day to celebrate the club’s Simod Cup win of 1988 when Blackburn Rovers travel down to Berkshire.

Finally, May sees the hotly anticipated celebration match in which teams comprised of the clubs Championship title wins of 2006 and 2012 will meet, under the stewardship of Championship winning managers Steve Coppell and Brian McDermott.

 

Click here to find out about the events going on this year to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary.