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Football was introduced in Malta at the end of the 18th Century by the British troops stationed on the island. At that time Malta formed part of the British Empire and, the Island was the base of British forces in the heart of the Mediterranean.
The British forces in Malta were mainly stationed in the three cities, Mtarfa, Tigne', St Andrews and in Floriana. The forces' barracks, which were strategically located around the Island , enjoyed large areas that were used as parade grounds, training areas and for sporting activities. The sports practised by the soldiers were mainly cricket, hockey and football. Obviously, the locals who were influenced by the soldiers stationed in the area were introduced to these sporting activities. The most popular sports amongst the residents of Floriana was football, however some also practised cricket and hockey. It is worth noting at this juncture that Floriana still has its hockey club. It is said that at the end of the 18th Century a group of youngsters from Floriana, assisted by soldiers based in the area, formed the first football team. It is understood that this team held football matches against another team formed in Cospicua, the St George's . There is also historical proof that both teams were the first football teams in Malta . However there is evidence that FFC was established in 1894, which makes it the first football club set up on the Island . Between 1894 and 1905 the club's colours were green/red quartered shirts, black shorts with green and red socks. The official colours of the club as we know them today, green and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts and green/white horizontal striped socks, were introduced in 1905. At that time the Royal Irish Fusiliers were stationed in Floriana. During that year, three friendly matches were held between this regiment and FFC, at the end of the final match both teams exchanged their shirts and, the officials of the Irish Fusiliers expressed their wish that FFC changed their official colours to their green and white shirts. Incidentally, this regiment left the Island in that same year. The ties between Floriana and the Royal Irish Fusiliers were so strong that the people hailing from Floriana were nicknamed after the Irish, "Tal-Irish". The club's mascot is the lion, which features prominently on the club's badge together with the Latin motto "Ex Ludis Virtus", meaning "virtue out of the game. In this regard the club's badge represents the fierceness of the lion together with the virtues of sportsmanship. Since the foundation of the Malta Football Association (1900) and local competitions the club won a total of 98 major honours, which include 25 league titles and 18 FA Cup knock out competitions. The club has also achieved a number of impressive feats, such as four consecutive league championships, ten doubles (League plus FA Cup) and a League title with maximum points. Over the years FFC participated in the various competitions organised by the European football body, UEFA, such as the:
In 1962, the club was the first to represent Malta in UEFA competitions in its Cup Winners' Cup against the Hungarian side Upjest Dozsa. Over the years, FFC had the opportunity to meet some renowned European football clubs with the likes of:
On two occasions FFC made it to the next round, 1993/4 Champions Cup and Intertoto Cup 1999/2000. In 1989 the club founded its youth sector, Floriana FC Nursery (FFCN), which is affiliated to the Malta Youth Football Association. The club's youth sector may also be considered as one of the most successful organisations of its type on the Island , not only has it produced a number of some of the finest footballers, but it has also managed to win a good number of league titles organised by the Association. The following are some of the major honours won by FFCN.
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UEFA Champions Cup