Early Sport
The earliest record of a Kettering cricket team dates from 1855-it beat Higham Ferrers-though the Kettering Town Cricket Club was not founded until 1877.
Kettering Town Football Club began in 1869, and turned professional in 1891. It moved to its present ground in 1898.
Athletics emerged after 1870, though there was some rivalry between the more middle-class amateurs, and the working class 'professionals' who competed for money prizes. An annual athletics meeting was established during Feast week where both sides competed, not always harmoniously.
Cycling was the other main enthusiasm, and the Kettering Amateur Cycling Club began in 1890.