Formed in 1892, their ground is situated behind the John Smith's brewery in Tadcaster, thus the reason for their nickname "The Brewers".

They compete in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division and are managed by Paul Quinn.

Quinn was appointed in November 2019, and started his time at Tadcaster with a 2-0 league win at home to Droylsden.

By 1926–27, Tadcaster were back under the John Smith's name and were playing at the second level of the York League again; oddly, a second team was founded in 1930 under the name of Tadcaster Albion, they both played on the same field and even rose up the divisions together (Smith's won the second level championship in 1932–33).

In 2010–11, they finished 4th in the Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division and won the NCEL President's Cup beating Farsley AFC 5–1 in the final.

In the autumn 2013–14, they lead the NCEL Premier for the first time in their history, eventually finishing 3rd after having 4 points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.

Their first task was to purge the squad getting rid of many of the players Miller brought in and bringing in some experienced / expensive replacements.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.