Reginald Halsey Birkett (28 March 1849 – 30 June 1898) was an English footballer who played for Clapham Rovers, as well as the England national side.

Clapham Rovers were one of the twenty-one London and suburban football clubs that followed Rugby School rules that assembled at the Pall Mall Restaurant in Regent Street and formed the Rugby Football Union on 26 January 1871 and Birkett was not only present but also became one of the thirteen original committee members.

He then joined Lancing Old Boys,[9] and then on to Clapham Rovers FC, a club that played both codes of football and had distinguished itself in both.

In the 1879 FA Cup Final, played at Kennington Oval on 29 March 1879, Clapham Rovers were runners-up to Old Etonians F.C.

[10] However, despite letting in the only goal of the match, Birkett's prowess as a keeper was well respected and he went on to be selected for the England vs Scotland friendly international a week later, on the same ground.

A skin and fur broker by profession,[5] he died at the age of 49 at his Wimbledon home following an accident; whilst suffering from diphtheria, he leapt from a window while being helped into his bed and fell 20 feet to his death – at the inquest, a verdict of suicide whilst delirious was returned.