1878 in association football

Events

• October 14 - First ever floodlit football match takes place at Bramall Lane, Sheffield between teams chosen by the Sheffield Association and local clubs.

  Clubs founded in 1878

England

• Ashton United F.C.
• Burnham F.C.
• Everton F.C.
• Grimsby Town F.C.
• Ipswich Town F.C.
• Newton Heath L&YR F.C.
• Matlock Town F.C.
• West Bromwich Albion F.C.

  Scotland

• Airdrieonians F.C.
• Arbroath F.C.

  Domestic cups

Births

• 15 April – John May, Scotland international forward in five matches.
• 16 April – Tip Foster, England international forward in five matches, scoring three goals; the only man to captain England at both football and cricket.
• 12 June – Charles Thomson, Scotland international half-back in 21 matches, scoring four goals.
• 8 July – Jimmy Quinn, Scotland international forward in eleven matches, scoring seven goals.
• 12 November – Tom Jackson, Scotland international player in six matches.
• 26 December – Alex Raisbeck, Scotland international full-back in eight matches.
• 29 December – Sammy Day, England international forward in three matches, scoring two goals.
• unknown – Sandy MacFarlane, Scotland international forward in five matches.