The Origin of Soccer
Soccer, also known as football, is one of the most popular sports played across the world. The game has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.
Different versions of the game were played in various parts of the world, often with varying rules and regulations. In this article, we will explore the different origins of soccer and trace its evolution over time.
Different Historical References to Soccer
The Japanese version of soccer, known as Kemari, was played in the 1st century BC. During this time, players would form a circle and try to keep a ball in the air without it touching the ground.
The game became popular among practitioners of martial arts and was played in the Imperial Court. The Persian version of soccer was known as Pahsaherman and was played during the Sassanid Empire in the 3rd century AD.
The game involved two teams trying to score goals using a ball made of goat skin. The Marn Grook, played by indigenous Australians, was similar to football and was played for recreational as well as religious purposes.
The game involved one player throwing a ball into the air while the others tried to catch it. The Chinese version of soccer, known as Cuju, was played during the Han Dynasty, which existed between 206 BC and 220 AD.
The game involved players trying to kick a ball through a small hole in a net. Soccer Traced Back Almost 5,000 Years Ago
Despite the different variations of soccer played across the world, evidence suggests that the game had similar characteristics.
Archaeological records show that the game was played in Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt almost 5,000 years ago. The Greeks played a game known as Episkyros, where players tried to get a ball over their opponents’ heads into a target area.
The Romans played a game known as Harpastum, where the ball was thrown and kicked between players. In Ancient Egypt, the game was known as “seker-hemat,” and it involved passing a ball made of linen or papyrus.
The Founding Father of Football
Ebenezer Cobb Morley is known as the founding father of modern football. Born in Hull, England, in 1831, Morley was an all-around sportsman who had a passion for football.
In 1862, he joined the Barnes Football Club, which later became the Barnes Rugby Football Club. Morley was unsatisfied with the rules and regulations of rugby and, in 1863, he decided to form a new football association.
Creation of the Football Association (FA)
Morley wrote to The Bell’s Life newspaper, calling for a meeting to be held with the aim of forming a new football association. On October 26, 1863, representatives from several football clubs across England met at the Freemason’s Tavern in London.
They agreed to form the Football Association, with Ebenezer Cobb Morley elected as the first secretary.
Introducing the Original 13 Laws of the FA
One of the first tasks of the newly formed FA was to establish a set of rules and regulations that would govern the game. Morley’s contribution to this process was significant, and he played a crucial role in drafting the original 13 laws of the game.
These laws included provisions such as the prohibition of carrying the ball, the introduction of corners, and the awarding of a goal when the ball crossed the opponent’s goal line.
Conclusion
The world’s love affair with soccer did not start yesterday. It dates back centuries and has roots in different regions and cultures.
The game has evolved over time, thanks to the contributions of innovative, visionary individuals like Morley, who paved the way for its modern-day popularity. Although soccer may have started as a simple pastime for people of different cultures and backgrounds to come together and have fun, today it is one of the most competitive and commercialized sports in the world.
Nevertheless, one thing remains constant, soccer’s universal appeal, and its ability to bring people together. In summary, this article has explored the origins of soccer, highlighting the different historical references to the game from around the world.
We have traced soccer’s evolution over time and provided insights into the contributions of Ebenezer Cobb Morley, the founding father of modern football. The article emphasizes the importance of soccer’s universal appeal and ability to bring people together.
Soccer has come a long way since its creation and continues to be one of the most popular sports globally.
FAQs:
Q: When was soccer invented?
A: Different variations of soccer were played in various parts of the world thousands of years ago, but the modern form of soccer was invented in the 19th century. Q: Who is the founding father of football?
A: Ebenezer Cobb Morley is considered the founding father of modern football. Q: Which was the first football association formed?
A: The first football association was the Football Association, which was formed in England in 1863. Q: How has soccer evolved over time?
A: Soccer has evolved significantly over time, with rule changes and technological advancements making the game faster and more competitive. Q: Why is soccer so popular?
A: Soccer’s universal appeal and ability to bring people together transcends language and cultural barriers, making it one of the most popular sports globally.