The Royals: Reading's Football Club
Reading Football Club — known as the Royals — is the central pillar of sporting life in the town. Founded in 1871, the club is one of the oldest football clubs in the world, and its history stretches across more than 150 years of English football. While recent seasons have brought significant challenges, the club retains a deeply loyal fanbase and remains an important part of the town's identity.
The Select Car Leasing Stadium
Home matches are played at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (formerly the Madejski Stadium and the Select Car Leasing Stadium by various name sponsorships), located to the south of Reading near junction 11 of the M4. The 24,000-capacity stadium opened in 1998 and was at the time considered one of the finest purpose-built football grounds in the country.
For those attending for the first time, the stadium is best reached by car or by dedicated matchday buses that run from Reading town centre. Parking is available on site. The surrounding commercial development includes a hotel and cinema, making it a destination in its own right.
A Brief History Worth Knowing
Reading FC's history includes some genuinely remarkable chapters:
- The club's record-breaking 2005-06 season under Steve Coppell, when they won the Championship with 106 points — a record for any division in English football at the time.
- Two seasons in the Premier League (2006-07 and 2007-08), during which the club competed admirably against the top flight's elite.
- A Championship play-off final appearance in 2017, narrowly missing out on a return to the Premier League.
More recent years have seen the club navigate financial difficulties and drop into the lower leagues, but supporter groups have remained active in advocating for the club's future.
Grassroots Football in Berkshire
Beyond the professional game, Berkshire has a thriving grassroots football community. Hundreds of amateur and youth clubs operate across the county, affiliated to the Berks and Bucks Football Association. Whether you're looking to play recreational five-a-side, join a Sunday league team, or enrol a child in a youth academy, there are options at every level.
- Youth football: Numerous clubs in Reading and the surrounding area run youth teams from under-7 upwards. Many are affiliated with professional clubs' community foundations.
- Women's football: The women's game has grown significantly in Berkshire, with clubs at several levels of the football pyramid.
- Walking football: For older participants, walking football has become popular across Berkshire, offering a social and accessible way to enjoy the game.
Other Sports in Reading
Football isn't the only sport with a strong local following. Reading has a diverse sporting culture:
| Sport | Key Club/Venue |
|---|---|
| Cricket | Berkshire County Cricket Club; several local league clubs |
| Rugby Union | Reading RFC; London Welsh RFC (historic club with Reading connections) |
| Hockey | Reading Hockey Club, one of the UK's most successful clubs |
| Athletics | Reading Athletics Club; annual Reading Half Marathon |
| Rowing | Multiple clubs along the Thames and Kennet |
The Reading Half Marathon
The Reading Half Marathon, typically held in March, is one of the South East's most popular road races. It attracts thousands of runners of all abilities through the town's streets and is a major event in the local sporting and community calendar. Entry usually opens months in advance, and places sell out quickly — worth noting if you're considering taking part.