Port Vale
Port Vale are the Valiants of Burslem, one of the six towns that form Stoke-on-Trent. Founded in 1876, the club has built its identity around black and white, generations of Football League competition and its long-standing home at Vale Park.
The Valiants of Burslem
Port Vale traces its foundation to 1876. After playing at several grounds and experiencing periods outside the Football League, the club established itself as a familiar name across the English divisions.
The origin of the Port Vale name has attracted different explanations over the years. What is certain is that the club became closely associated with Burslem and the wider Potteries, creating a distinct identity within Stoke-on-Trent football.
Home Since 1950
Port Vale moved into Vale Park in 1950. Built in Burslem, the ground replaced the Old Recreation Ground and has remained the centre of the club’s matchday life for more than seven decades.
Vale Park’s stands, floodlights and elevated position form a familiar part of the local landscape. The stadium has been developed gradually, but its name and location continue to connect different generations of Valiants supporters.
Two Football League Trophy Wins
Port Vale lifted the Football League Trophy at Wembley in 1993, defeating Stockport County 2–1 in the final. The club won the competition again in 2001 with a 2–1 victory over Brentford at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The Valiants also produced a memorable FA Cup run in 2025/26, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. That cup journey provided a notable chapter during the club’s 150th-anniversary season.
Robbie Earle
Black and White
Black and white are Port Vale’s traditional colours. Home shirts have appeared in a wide range of designs, including predominantly white jerseys, contrasting sleeves, stripes and strong black trim.
Gold also appears in the club crest and has featured as a kit accent, but patterns, sponsors and manufacturers differ by season. This FanFile covers Port Vale as a club rather than one particular jersey, so use your shirt’s labels and product code to identify its exact edition.
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Club Links
Sources & Further Reading
- Port Vale: official club website
- English Football League: official competition website
- The Football Association: FA Cup
Facts checked: 17 September 2026.