Football, known to the United States as soccer, is a popular sport and hobby that is shared all over the world. The sport has been able to bring people together to forget their differences. Many people share an interest in football but don’t know the history behind it. Football’s roots span over 2,000 years from ancient times in Greece, China, and Rome. Football has its origins tied to England and has spread across the Atlantic and to mainland Europe. Its popularity may be because it’s a sport that can be played anywhere with almost any circular object and has deep cultural roots.
During the ancient times in Greece, China, and Rome, football was a game that was popular. In Rome they played football with a small, sturdy ball. Football was commonly used to train soldiers for battle due to its chaotic and difficult drilling. In Greece, while similar to Rome, it was acceptable to use both hands and feet. In ancient times in China, an early form of football called Cuju used leather balls stuffed with feathers and had nets used as a goal. The ancient traditions of football have mostly been the same as modern time football in concept. However, a difference between past and present football is that before it used to be a dangerous game played that would leave many injured during heavy contact, and the numbers of players on a team have changed from numerous people to only 11 people.
The first football association established was in England in 1863 at the Freemasons’ Tavern. It was named The Football Association also known as the FA and was formed by Ebenezer Cobb Morley. The FA was formed was to have football have it’s own identity from rugby. Once the FA was formed, football was recognized as a sport and was the structure for present football. The FA has been able to assist clubs and coaches with publicity and courses. The FA first joined FIFA in 1905 but shortly left after World War I. In 1924, they returned but left in 1928 because of lost wages to amateur players. Finally in 1946 feeling a spark of harmony with nations, the FA joined their first World Cup in 1950. The FA unfortunately lost during the first eliminations against Spain and the United States.
Football was able to be spread around because of the FA. The citizens from England spread the rules around India and South America through their colonizations, allowing their influence to spread globally. People from different backgrounds and money statuses love the game equally, resulting in football gaining popularity; people from all over the world can play football since it’s an inexpensive sport to play, only requiring a ball and an object that can be used as a net. Furthermore today, football has also been popular due to its star players like Messi, Ronaldo, and Pele, gaining attention throughout the world with their athletic plays, helping to popularize football.
In conclusion, football became a popular and well-loved sport because of it’s straightforwardness and accessibility. Football has been able to have an influence throughout the world by people sharing a common interest.
