Bradford City was originally known as Manningham FC, a rugby club and an original member of the Northern Rugby Football Union. Manningham RFC left that code at the termination of the 1902-03 season to change to association football and the team switched its name to Bradford City AFC. The invitation in 1903 to join the Football League was a try to introduce the sport to the rugby-dominated region, and Bradford was accepted into the League even prior it had a side. Bradford City and Chelsea share the distinction of being the only teams to join the League without having played a competitive match.

Bradford City have won the FA Cup on one occasion, on April 28, 1911 defeating Newcastle United 1-0 at Old Trafford after a goalless draw at Crystal Palace four days earlier. The goal, scored by Jimmy Spiers, ensured that they were the first champions of the new FA Cup trophy.