Ancient History of Football

By
for SoccerMyLife.com

Published: September 15, 2011

Soccer is probably the most famous sport all throughout the world. From Armenia to Zimbabwe, soccer is being played and watched, especially in schools and universities. Many would consider the development of modern soccer to have started in England although historically this is not the case. Find out the ancient roots of this popular game below.

Chinese roots

Despite its huge European following, soccer is as old as history itself. Historical evidence shows that as early as 2nd and 3rd centuries, the Chinese were already playing the game passionately, especially during the time of the Han Dynasty. At this time, players used leather balls and a small net. The mechanics of the game was the same as the modern form. The rise of the Roman Empire also created interest in the game. Archeologists also discovered that early Romans and Greeks used to play ball games for fun and leisure. There is also historical evidence that the ancient Japanese used to kick balls as a sport.

Growth in England

Ancient English folklore told of a Danish brigand’s head being used as a ball during a game of soccer in England. Such violent start of an excellent game may be inconceivable at this time but soccer was actually a sport in England played to permit violent human tendencies such as kicking, punching, biting, and gouging. The main objective of the game was to carry the ball to the goal which is also defended by a goalie. It became a hugely popular game among the common folks that it became a favorite pastime over time. People grew so fond of the game that they would fill the field all day long to watch matches. Some games became sources of violence as masses turn wild during some competitive games.

The popularity of the sport led to the edict of King Edward III to ban it in 1365. It was said that even military archers failed to practice archery because of the game. The ban was further reinforced by King James I of Scotland in 1424 after his proclamation in the Parliament not to allow the sport in his domain.

There is no accurate date and place for the origin of this game but it can be safely assumed that it been around for at least 3,000 years. Modern-day soccer like the one in the form of the Premier League developed in Britain and eventually spread to other continents. The most recognizable modern form of the game started in 1863 when 11 London clubs decided to come up a standard for the game as well as set up basic rules to regulate matches between them. The meeting was the foundation of the Football Association in Europe.

Author: Harvey Russell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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