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 in the United States, behind baseball's National League which was founded in 1876, The Association was formed in 1884 with the goal of standardizing rules and procedures. It joined forces with The Football Association in 1909, adopting their approach to the game after being admitted at an FA meeting led by Charles Clegg.