The Beechworth Football Club traces its origins back to 1861, but it wasn’t until 1876 that it was officially established, with players joining and matches being played.

The club had a tumultuous history, initially being part of the Victorian Football Association in 1877, although no matches were played that year. In 1877, the club was scheduled to compete against teams like Benalla, Degamero, Oxley, Oxley Trades, and Wangaratta as per the Ovens and Murray Advertiser football fixture.

From 1878 to 1891, regular matches were held against mining towns like Chiltern and Rutherglen, although the club was not part of any official football competitions.

In 1892, a merger took place between Beechworth Football Club and Wanderer’s Football Club, forming the Beechworth District Wanderer’s Football Club, which adopted a red and black striped guernsey.

The club joined the Ovens and Murray Football League in 1893. Records indicate the club’s involvement in various associations, initially with a senior football team.