Retford has an established football team called Retford United F.C. who play in the Central Midlands League North Division. The club plays football at Cannon Park on the outskirts of the town. Retford is also home to Retford F.C., formed in 2015 Retford F.C. and known as 'The Choughs', who play at the Rail Ground on Babworth Road won the Central Midlands League North Division and were promoted to the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One. Two derby games between the sides took place in the 2018/19 season with a 1–1 draw at Cannon Park and Retford F.C. winning 5–0 at the Rail Ground.