The rise of professional football coincided with the rapid expansion of the railway network in the latter part of the 19th century and the railways thus made a key contribution to the game's development. The FA Cup was launched in 1872 and the Football League 16 years later, soon expanding into a two-divisional competition. Without trains, supporters would simply not have been able to travel long distances to support their teams at away matches. The fact that most grounds were located in or near town and city centres in those days, and therefore close to major railway stations, helped in that regard. In the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, the main sporting focus of railway companies was the FA Cup Final. All over the country, supporters would save a few coppers a week through the season in 'cup final clubs', many of which were run by pub landlords who would then make the arrangements with the railway companies on their patrons'behalf.
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