The multi-sport club familiarly known as the East End "Gyms" organized its first football team by mid-October, 1890.
[1] While the team awaited its first official game, several of its members gained experience with a local pick-up squad dubbed the "All-Pittsburghs".
George Proctor, Grant Dibert, and L. F. Kirchner, the Gyms' physical education instructor, were among the East End players who participated in the All-Pittsburghs' 22–6 loss to the Allegheny Athletic Association.
[3] The inaugural game for the East End club was slated for Saturday, November 1 against Shady Side Academy, a local prep-school team.
The Shady Side players backed out of the game after resolving to play football exclusively under association rules (soccer).