The oldest football club in Russia is Znamya Truda from Orekhovo-Zuyevo, originally known as the Orekhovo Sports Club (KSO). It was officially founded in 1909, although an amateur team had already existed at the local textile factory long before that. The Orekhovo-Zuyevo players mainly played against English workers who often came to Russia for work.

According to the memories of the footballers, training at that time was quite unique. Players were divided into groups and tried to take possession of the ball, after which they would kick it towards the goal. Over time, it became clear that football is a team game. As a result, the Orekhovo-Zuyevo players began to practice passing, and forwards learned to interact with defenders.

In 1910, the Moscow Football League was created, and KSO showed high results from the very first games, crushing their opponents. In one match, they scored 7 goals against the rival team. During the pre-revolutionary period, the Orekhovo Sports Club became the champion of Moscow four times and won silver and bronze medals.

Every football club aimed to create its own base, and the construction was overseen by English specialists. Benches were arranged in three rows around the field, with a pavilion and a large stand on the western side. According to the press and contemporaries, this was the best football stadium in the Russian Empire, which still remains the oldest in the country.

KSO players were often called up to the Russian national football team. During World War I, the club faced difficulties as many athletes went to the front. However, the base created by the pre-revolutionary footballers proved to be so successful that KSO continued to play even during the Soviet era under various names. In 1958, the club received its final name, Znamya Truda.