It was the second oldest sports league to form, behind the National League of baseball in 1876, as well as being the oldest soccer league in the United States. The Association was formed in 1884 in an attempt to standardize rules and procedures. It was allied with The Football Association, becoming a member on February 22, 1909, at an FA meeting chaired by Charles Clegg, and drew on that organization's approach to the game.
The second oldest sports league, after baseball's National League in 1876, as well as being the oldest soccer league in the United States. The Association was formed in 1884 to standardize rules and procedures. It allied with The Football Association, becoming a member on February 22, 1909, at an FA meeting chaired by Charles Clegg, and adopted that organization's approach to the game.