Butler was a member of the Barnes and Civil Service football clubs. In March 1870, he was invited by the Wanderers' captain, C.W. Alcock to take part in a match between "England" and "Scotland". This was the first of five "pseudo-internationals" which took place before the first officially recognized international in November 1872. He was the only member of the England XI who was not a member of the Wanderers club.