Football is the greatest and most popular sport in the world. It is an industry worth billions and is watched on every continent on the globe. It has a long and interesting history; it was first introduced in England as early as 1170 when youths went to the fields for a ‘game of ball’. Aspects of the game dates back to the second and third century BC in China. An exercise called Tsu’ Chu, in which opponents used a leather ball filled with feathers and hair, was played at that time. The aim was to get the ball into a small net fixed on to bamboo canes while also defending themselves from attacks. About 500 years later the Japanese invented a game called Kemari. A team tried to stop the ball from touching the ground. Like keepie-uppie(kick-ups), this game is still played today.

A game of Kemari at Tanzan Shrine

In comparison to China’s advanced version of the football, the English equivalent was made using an inflated animal bladder. The game’s appeal continued to increase in England so much so that in the 1300s, its popularity became a challenge for Edward II. The king became seriously concerned that football was distracting people from practising archery, at a time when he was preparing to go to war with Scotland. The solution to this problem was to enforce a ban on everyone playing  football.

Nevertheless, football re-emerged and continued to increase in popularity, particularly amongst the working classes, who saw the game as an opportunity to socialise with people from similar backgrounds. But these matches did not always end in a civilised manner; with limited rules and no referees at the time, the pitch often became violent. It was acceptable to beat or punch opposing team players including destroying their personal property and even, on occasion, their homes or businesses.

Football’s appeal became extremely popular at public schools during the 18th century. This provided the context for specific rules to be created for the game. An 1848 meeting at Cambridge drew up some rules, including goal kicks, throw ins and goalies’ rights, all of which are still included today. These small steps paved the way for the rise of football club teams and national and international games and championships.

The British have also been considered instrumental at spreading the game across the world. Though football was considered a male sport, it was not exclusively played by men; women have been involved in the game since the late nineteenth century. There was a brief ban on women’s football after World War I. However, with the formation of the English Women’s FA, the ban was lifted in 1971. Since then women’s football has continued to grow in Britain and abroad.

Nowadays, Football is more than a game. It brings everyone together regardless of their age, race, gender, culture, or nationality and brings smiles to people’s faces. It teaches us to keep trying and teaches us to persevere, even when winning seems impossible. It teaches us responsibility and respect.