History of Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town was founded in 1897 under the name of Mansfield Wesleyans. Like many football clubs, their name derives from a local church, in this case the Wesleyan church on Bridge Street. Playing in Chocolate and Sky Blue shirts, with Royal Blue shorts and socks, the club played in friendly matches and local cup ties. Its first game was on 4 September 1897, drawing 2–2 against Sherwood Foresters. Mansfield first joined a league in the 1902–03 season, competing in the Mansfield and District Amateur League. 6 September 1902 saw the Wesleyans lose their first league fixture 1-0 away at Mansfield Corinthians. A week later, Shirebrook Swifts put 13 past the Mansfield goalkeeper without reply, the worst defeat ever suffered by the club in a competitive match. The team ended its first season in 7th place (of 12).
Mansfield Rugby Club
Mansfield Rugby Club was formed in 1956 and by 1977 the club had bought its own ground at Eakring Road. The club was placed in Midlands 1 when the league system was introduced in 1987. A reorganisation of the leagues resulted in the club moving to Midlands 2 East but Mansfield has since gained two promotions, moving into National 3 Midlands in 2011. However recent seasons have seen several relegations and the club is now playing at a level similar to where the club was a decade earlier.