Established in 1890 the St.George's Football Club of Cospicua is the first such club to be set up in Malta and it predates many of the top European clubs. Football is a popular game in Cottonera and the Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua clubs have all enjoyed spells in the top division of the National Football League from time to time. St.George's F.C., popularly known as 'The Pioneers', won the National Champions Cup in 1916/17.