Modern History of Soccer: 18th Century onwards

  In 1815, a major development took place that made soccer popular in Universities, Colleges and Schools. The popular English School and Eton College came forth with a set of rules, known as the Cambridge Rules. Football was segregated into two groups; some colleges and schools opted for Rugby rules that allowed tripping, shin kicking and also carrying the ball. These rules were exclusively prohibited as per the Cambridge rules.The history of modern-day soccer was established in 1863. In October 1863, eleven representatives from London clubs and schools met at the Freemason Tavern to set up common fundamental rules to control the matches amongst themselves. The outcome of this meeting was the formation of the Football Association. In December 1863, the Rugby Football and Association football finally split as the supporters of the Rugby School rules walked out. Firmly establishing the foundation of soccer in 1869, the Football Association strictly banned any kind of handling of the ball. Soccer popularity spread rapidly during the 1800s as British sailors, traders and soldiers introduced the sport to different parts of the globe.Italians, Austrians and Germans drew to Europe, while Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil adopted the sport in South America. FIFA was established in the year 1904 and by early 1930s, different leagues were operating from various countries. FIFA is credited with organizing the first world cup in Uruguay. The history of soccer is rich with events, development and its growing craze all over the world. You will find yourself amazed as you learn about different times of this wonderful sport that has held our awe and admiration for over 3000 years.

Soccer History

 Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Europe and the Americas. It has a vivid and interesting history in the world of sports. Early evidence of soccer being played as a sport finds occurrence in China during the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. In China, it was during the Han dynasty that people dribbled leather balls by kicking it into a small net. Recorded facts also support the fact that Romans and Greeks used to play ball for fun and frolic. Some facts point to Kyoto in Japan where kicking of ball was a popular sport.It is said that early growth of the modern soccer started in England. Some amusing facts even mention that the first ball used was the head of some Danish brigand. It is said that during medieval times, the old form of soccer used to allow many ill practices like kicking, punching, biting and gouging. The main aim was to carry the ball to a target spot. People grew so fond of the game that they would throng the field all day long. Sometimes the competition grew fierce and masses got so wild that there were frequent incidents of violence during the game. It is also said that soldiers admired the game so much that they missed archery practice to watch it.King Edward III banned soccer in 1365 owing to the growing incidents of violence and military indulgence in the sport. In 1424 King James I of Scotland also proclaimed in the Parliament "Na man play at the Fute-ball" (No man shall play football).When and where exactly did soccer start is a question that has no precise answer to it. You can easily say that this popular game has been played for more than three thousand years. The nativity of modern-day soccer must be credited to Britain. It was also known as the association football, with Scotland and England being the co-founders of the systematic game of soccer.

Name of soccer

  The term 'soccer' is the name that has commonly been given in North America to a form of football played with a spherical ball. It is the most widely played team game in the world and the most popular spectator sport. Soccer was originally called 'association football' (the name soccer is derived from the word assoc, from the word association).The game of soccer began in England sometime in the middle of the 19th century, primarily in the great public (private) schools of the day. Standard rules evolved fairly rapidly. Organised clubs began to be established in 1855, and the Football Association was established in London in 1863. Professional players were admitted the Football Association leagues in the mid-1880s. Shortly after, the game became dominated by professional teams.Soccer began to spread internationally in the 1870s and by 1880 is had gained adherents in Central Europe. In these regions it became exceptionally popular. Other European nations took it up early in the 20th century, established teams, and began to play in international play. South Americans were taught the game by English immigrants in the 1890s. By the mid-20th century the sport had reached an extraordinarily high level of play. Competition continued to spread to the Middle Eastern and Asian nations, including nations that produced formidable and well-trained players. The World Cup, as sponsored by soccer's governing body, the Federation International Football Association, has been played every four years since 1930. The first women's World Cup match was played in 1971 in Mexico City.

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages Europe were the stage for violent town games known universally as Mob Football. It is very surprising to notice the progress of ball games in this historical period and consider their violent upturn. In contrast to the ball games of Ancient times, authorities often prohibited and opposed their practice.

Early kicking games

All throughout history, many ball games have emerged as well as perished independently to one another, often leaving us with nothing but speculations. Considering that many of these games were impulsive and had few or no regulations, it is likely that they also were quite violent. The roughness of these early games surely must have demanded involvement of the legs, for kicking.
We have to emphasize the difference between such scuffles and today's skillful game. Even although modern football evolved from rugby, a major distinction stands between the two - the feet are not only used for kicking but also for controlling and moving the ball (dribbling). Using body parts other than the feet, like the head or chest, is another factor suggesting the development advanced technical skills.
While most ancient ball games had no proven relation to rugby or simply diminished ignominiously long ago, they certainly must have produced skillful players or artisans, much like the superstars of today. Therefore, we must acknowledge these as predecessors of the world's most popular sport.

Modern Era

Soccer, as we know it today, was molded during the 1960s. Increased media coverage and TV broadcasts made the game far more popular than it ever was. Commercial air flight replaced traveling by ship, which made it more efficient to conduct international matches.

Association Football

During the second part of the 19th century in England, rugby as well as most sports experienced a massive surge in popularity. This was mostly an effect of the Industrial Revolution, which drew people in cities and factories, depriving them from the typical outdoor activities of rural life. Recreation became common and people turned to sport on Sundays, in addition to their religious activities. British traders, sailors and workers spread sport and football all over the globe through their web of colonies.