Soccer

Soccer

The Beautiful Game For thousands of years, people around the world have enjoyed playing games. Many of these games involve kicking a ball toward another team's goal. Today, soccer is by far the most popular of these games. Why is the sport so loved by people everywhere? People can play soccer outdoors in all kinds of weather. The sport is easy to learn, and it helps players stay fit. The only equipment you need is a ball. Best of all, it's great fun!

The Beginning of Soccer People played early types of soccer in Britain starting in the eighth century. The game, which was called football, was much rougher back then, and there weren't many rules. Paved school playgrounds in the early 1900s weren't good for playing the rough types of soccer, so new rules were invented. Soccer became a regular part of school because of the teamwork needed to play. Modern soccer began in England in 1863 when soccer-also called association football- and rugby football became two different sports. Soccer players mainly move the ball with their feet, while rugby players also use their hands. Modern soccer rules began in the late 1930s and were updated in 1997.

Soccer Around the World People in almost every country play soccer. The sport is popular among both adults and children. People of every background and religion love soccer. Most people think of soccer as an outdoor sport, but it can also be played indoors. Men's soccer has been part of all but two Summer Olympic Games. Women's soccer was added in 1996.

All Levels of Play About 240 million people in more than 300, 000 clubs play soccer. Estimates place the number of fans as high as 3. 5 billion. That's half the total number of people on Earth! FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is in charge of professional soccer. Founded in 1904, FIFA had 209 member countries as of early 2015. The countries have teams that compete for a chance to play in the World Cup, a competition to see which team is the best in the world. Thirty-two teams play in the World Cup, which takes place every four years.

In the United States, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), or U. S. Soccer, is the main soccer group. There are professional, men's, women's, and children's soccer teams. Soccer is popular among students of all ages, and you don't even have to be on a team to enjoy the sport. As few as two people can play the game in a park or on a playground.