History of Soccer

Overview

Soccer (or football in many parts of the world) can be traced back to China over 2,000 years ago where they played a variation of the soccer we know today. Since then, soccer has expanded to many countries where its rules and elements evolved greatly. The form of soccer played today actually began in England in the mid-19th century with the creation of formal rules and soccer organizations. Over the years, soccer has grown to be one of the most popular sports in the world and has drawn lots of attention to the many soccer tournaments held such as the Fifa World Cup and the Copa America.

Its History

Before the game of soccer became what is seen today, various forms of it were played by many different cultures. Beginning in China over 2,000 years ago, there was a sport called "cuju" (which stills exists today) where they used a ball made of fur and played in a square area. Cuju was played at court feasts, the emperor's birthday party, or at diplomatic events in a form of celebration. This style of playing spread to Japan and took the name "kemari". Another style of the game then grew in Ancient Greece, but it took a lower status and did not become as popular. In Ancient Rome, games that used balls were more for military exercises than for entertainment. From Ancient Rome, the game spread to England in the 12th century where it got molded to the beautiful game that is played today. When the game was introduced to England in the 12th century, it took on a very violent playing style that often led to death which was why in the 14th century, the King of England had to officially ban the game. It was not until the 17th century that the game became legal again, but this time it was not as brutal. By the early 1800s, the game had become a way to keep kids physically fit and out of trouble. Because of its growing popularity, the game was completely transformed in the mid-19th century into the game we know today.

In 1863, the English Football Association, or FA, created standard rules for soccer, which is what made this sport distinct from other popular sports such as rugby, while also being a mix between rugby and football. The sport had become so popular among European citizens, that when they moved to the US, they brought the sport with them. European immigrants played a big role in introducing soccer to America and keeping it alive. The earliest record of soccer in the US is in 1869, in a game between Princeton and Rutgers University. In 1904, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded and allowed for the global growth of the sport and its standard rules, eventually leading to the World Cup tournament. In 1913, the US founded the "United Stated Football Association" (now US Soccer) which started off small but grew with the sport and was one of the reasons for soccer becoming a professional sport.

Soccer is played all across the US and among all kinds of people. The fan base consists of mainly younger individuals who either play or just watch the game. Before recently, those that were most likely to play were young males of color (black or brown). However, things have changed, and many women have become participants in the game. This goes to show that soccer is free for anyone to engage in, it does not matter your gender or race. One reason it has grown so popular among specific demographics is because it is one of the cheaper sports to play since few equipment is needed. You just need a ball and an open field to enjoy the beautiful game of soccer.

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