History of Football

Sports

Throughout history, games revolving around kicking a ball have been played in many countries. In the past few decades, football has gained global popularity. As a result, there are more than 1.3 billion people involved in the sport worldwide.

Football originated in China in the second and third centuries B.C. It was later adapted for use in England. The game is played on a rectangular field that is divided into two teams. The two teams compete for a goal. The team with the most goals wins.

The modern game of football was codified in England in 1863. The Football Association (FA) established the first set of rules. These rules prohibited players from carrying the ball or handling it except for a goalkeeper.

After the outbreak of World War I, attendance at football games increased dramatically. The influx of industrial workers created demand for new forms of leisure. This encouraged the formation of working class football teams. The clubs were able to attract top players from the northern clubs who had large fan bases.

As more and more people became interested in football, the FA was able to expand their influence. In the early 20th century, the FA expanded their power by regulating competition. They also began charging admission to spectators.

Eventually, two clubs were expelled from the FA for using professional players. By 1884, the issue of professionalism reached a crisis in England. The professional system offered financial rewards for players who were willing to put their lives on the line.