 The competition was first held in 1887 and was organised by the ADFA which formed the same year.The first members were Aberdeen, Orion, Caledonian, Aberdeen Athletic, Aberdeen Rovers, Aberdeen Rangers, Bon Accord, Black Diamond, Turriff Our Boys, Albert, Rosebery, Britannia, Granite City, Aberdeen City Wanderers and Balmoral.Dr Maitland Moir, honorary president, presented the ADFA with a cup which ultimately became the property of Aberdeen after their second win in 1889.