The Football League was established in 1888 and is the oldest professional football league in the world. It originally consisted of 12 teams, including famous clubs like Aston Villa and Everton. Over the years, it expanded and became a key part of English football, organizing competitions for various levels of clubs. In 2004, the Football League was restructured into three divisions: League One, League Two, and the Championship. This structure allows clubs to be promoted or relegated based on their performance each season, creating a competitive environment that has contributed to the growth of football in England.