The very history of the beautiful game runs through Sheffield as the city was the home of the world’s first team, Sheffield FC. While ‘the club’ might have been eclipsed by younger siblings Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United since, there is no doubt that when you go and watch a Sheffield team at any level of the football pyramid that we’re passionate about the game.
There is a real beauty to non-league football that the higher leagues simply cannot offer anymore. Non-league football gets you closer to the action and you can probably still have a pint while you watch the game, but the real benefit of non-league football – is that you can probably go and watch it with your dog.
Here we’ll introduce you to some of the local teams that we urge you to get out and support. Unsure about taking your dog? This is how dog friendly they are:
“Yes we’re dog friendly, only requirement is the media team get to play with the dog” – Stocksbridge Park Steels
“Same rule applies for us, if you don’t bring your dog to the announcers box we may ask you to leave” – Sheffield FC
- Nickname: 'The Club'
- BT Local Business Stadium, Dronfield
- Northern Premier League Division One East
Sheffield FC is ‘the worlds first’ football club’, having started life at Olive Grove in Sheffield, they currently play their football in Dronfield. The ground is mostly standing and has a Thornbridge Brewery pub built into it, meaning you’re never short of a good pint.
Hop on a bus, or take the 10-minute train journey from the centre of Sheffield and you’ll be in Dronfield which boasts a wealth of dog friendly pubs for you to visit before and after the match.
Ticket Price: £7
Nearest dog-friendly pub: The Coach & Horses (at the ground)
Ground Address: Sheffield Road, Dronfield, S18 2GD
Fixtures: Sheffield FC Fixtures
- Nickname: The Steels
- Bracken Moor, Stocksbridge
- Northern Premier League Division One East
Playing in the same league as Sheffield FC, you can find a Steel City derby with a difference in the Northern Premier League Division One East. Stocksbridge Park Steels are the team that gave Jamie Vardy his footballing start and make for the perfect non-league option for those that live on the north side of Sheffield.
Stocksbridge Park Steels ply their trade in the 8th tier of English football.
Ticket Price: £8
Nearest dog friendly pub: Bar at the ground
Ground address: Bracken Moor Lane, Stocksbridge, Sheffield, S36 2AN
Fixtures: Stocksbridge Park Steels Fixtures
- Nickname: The Ambers
- Olivers Mount, Darnall
- Northern Counties East League Premier Division
Real football, made in Sheffield are the words around Oliver’s Mount where Handsworth FC play their games and at this level that is exactly what you get. Located near to High Hazels park, you can take your dog for a walk before the match to tire them out a bit.
The current Handsworth FC was established in 2014 from a merger of Handsworth FC and Worksop Paramore, with the new team taking Worksop’s place in the league. After moving back to Oliver’s Mount in 2020, the team are looking to once again become a big part of the Handsworth area.
Handsworth currently ply their trade in the 9th tier of English football.
Ticket Price: £5
Nearest dog friendly pub: bar and cafe at the ground
Ground address: Olivers Mount, Darnall, Sheffield S9 4PA
Fixtures: Handsworth FC Fixtures
- Nickname: The Countrymen
- Sandygate, Crosspool
- Northern Counties East League Division One
Hallam FC were originally founded just 3 years after Sheffield FC as a rival team for Sheffield FC, and thus the world’s oldest derby was born. Hallam’s ground on Sandygate road is officially recognised as the world’s oldest football ground and the team won the first ever football tournament trophy – the Youdan cup.
Hallam currently ply their trade in the 10th tier of English football and regularly play other local teams such as Swallownest, Donfield town and more.
Ticket Price: £5
Nearest dog friendly pub: Bar in the ground, nearest pub The Sportsman in Crosspool
Ground address: Sandygate Road, Sheffield S10 5SE
Fixtures: Hallam FC Fixtures
We’re currently expanding this section. If you know of a Sheffield non-league team that welcomes dogs on matchdays, then please drop us a message here. (or message us on social media)
Looking for more walks? Check out our Walks Near Sheffield area.