NOMADIC Sheffield Eagles are on the move once again – with a switch out of South Yorkshire into Derbyshire confirmed.
They will leave the Steel City Stadium for the MEPS International Home Of Football Stadium of non-league football side Sheffield FC, recognised as the world’s oldest team (they were formed in 1857) and playing in Northern Counties East League Premier Division (level nine of the pyramid) with hopes of climbing higher.
Businessman Jeremy Levine is a director of both the Eagles and Sheffield FC, while Jon McClure, frontman of high-profile rock band Reverend and the Makers, recently took a stake in the latter and became chairman.
In the long term, the two clubs have plans to build a new shared 5,000-capacity venue in the Meadowhead area to the south of the city centre, providing multi-sports, community and educational facilities as well as a football museum, although the project has been delayed by planning objections.
Sheffield FC’s current 2,000-plus capacity venue is in Dronfield, eight miles south of the Steel City Stadium.
And with improvements including new seating, upgraded dressing rooms and a hospitality lounge now completed, the Eagles’ first match there will be the Championship fixture against London Broncos on Sunday, May 24.
The Rugby League club say playing at Sheffield FC will cost less, create more more revenue-generating opportunities and “significantly enhance the matchday experience for supporters”.
The club continued: “Beyond the financial benefits, the move also represents a strategic step in further strengthening our partnership with Sheffield FC, enabling more shared opportunities for events, fan engagement, and long-term development.
“Both clubs remain committed to securing a new facility within the city of Sheffield and remain in active dialogue with civic partners to achieve this goal.”
The Eagles have played at the current version of the Steel City Stadium since 2022 after a spell at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster.
The current version of the club, formed in late 1999, have also been based at the old Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield United Football Club’s Bramall Lane, Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park and Wakefield’s now DIY Kitchens Stadium as well as an earlier version of the Steel City Stadium, previously known as Olympic Legacy Park.