The club was formed in 1883,[1] and turned senior in 1885 by joining the Scottish Football Association.

Its second entry ended in withdrawal before playing a tie, and it did not enter again until 1888–89; the club's re-entry to the competition was controversial, as an objection was made on the basis that the club had allegedly forged the registration of David M'Keteridge as a player - the SFA allowed the entry and investigated the charge.

The Volunteers protested that this was a breach of the Cup regulations and the SFA ordered a replay at the 1st R.R.V.

It entered every season between 1884–85 and 1888–89, but twice scratched, and lost in the other three years in its first matches by a combined score of 29 goals to 0; 11–0 at Arthurlie in 1884–85,[7] 7–0 at Morton in 1885–86,[8] and 11–0 at 1st R.R.V.

[14] On turning senior, the club moved to a private ground at Robslea Park, 5 minutes' walk from the station.