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Crystal palace

      Crystal Palace can draw an established link back to the Crystal Palace football team established in 1861, which played its first match in March 1862.

      The connection makes Palace the oldest league club in existence still playing professional football, and founder members of both the Football Association and FA Cup.

      As such, the club updated its crest in June 2022 to celebrate the club’s 1861 origins and its historic role in the development of modern football. Find out more here.

      Crystal Palace crest history
      Crystal Palace crest history

      The club became professional in 1905 and has since gone on to enjoy over 115 years of professional existence, first reaching England's top-flight in 1969. They are currently managing their longest spell there, consolidating their Premier League status for the first time in 2013/14.

      Crystal Palace: The world's oldest professional club?
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      We have a legitimate claim to be the oldest professional league club still in existence.

      Steve Parish, Chairman