Headington FC

Oxford United’s story began in 1893 with the founding of Headington FC at the Britannia Inn, right across from where the old Manor Ground would later stand. In its early years, the club fielded several amateur teams, often playing on different days of the week. The "United" suffix appeared sporadically in the first two decades, reflecting the club's evolving identity.

A turning point came in 1911, when Headington FC merged with a neighbouring team, Headington Quarry, officially forming Headington United Football Club.

There are few photographs to confirm the early kit colours due to black-and-white photography. However, team sheets and programme notes consistently describe the colours as "Orange and Navy".

During the early 20th century, the club experimented with a variety of shirt styles.

However, the outbreak of the Great War in 1914 brought football to a standstill, halting the club's progress until play resumed in 1919.

By the mid-1930s, the club settled on a new look, swapping the traditional stripes for plain orange shirts with navy trim.

The Second World War once again interrupted the club's progress, but by 1949, Headington United had made its way into the Southern League, the fifth tier of English football.

This milestone season also introduced a significant change — the club's jerseys featured a crest for the first time. The emblem, an 'ox on water,' was directly inspired by the city’s coat of arms, proudly linking the club to its Oxford roots.

The team enjoyed some memorable cup victories against established league clubs during this period. In the early 1950s, a larger and updated version of the club crest appeared on the jerseys.