Why it is called “Association” football

The name comes from The Football Association, founded in England in 1863. In the 19th century, different forms of football existed: • Rugby football • Association football Students shortened “association” to “assoc,” which eventually became “soccer.”

Origins

The history of football in Britain is the story of how a rough medieval pastime became the modern global sport of association football. Forms of football existed in Britain as early as the Middle Ages. These games were often called “mob football.” Features of medieval football: • entire villages might take part, • there were very few rules, • games could become violent, • and goals could be miles apart. Kings sometimes tried to ban football because it distracted men from military archery practice. Some ancient forms of the game still exist such as Shrovetide Football in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Modern football developed in England during the 1800s. The Football Association created standardised rules, helping separate the game from rugby. The first official laws included: • no handling the ball (except by the goalkeeper), • standardised goals, • free kicks and fouls, • and match organization rules. • Basic rules • Two teams of 11 players • Played on a rectangular pitch • Objective: score by getting the ball into the opponent’s goal • Mostly played using the feet • Goalkeeper can use hands inside the penalty area • Standard match length: 90 minutes Football spread rapidly during the Industrial Revolution and factory workers and mining communities formed clubs that became major teams today. Workers on the North Staffordshire railway were instrumental in the formation of more organised games. Railway workers themselves often played for local amateur and works teams. The railway network also made inter-town competition practical for the first time. The world’s oldest football club is Sheffield F.C. not to be confused with Sheffield United or Sheffield Wednesday who were formed later. They were founded in 1857 in Sheffield, before the official rules of football were standardised. Sheffield F.C. played a key role in shaping modern football, they developed early rules known as the “Sheffield Rules” which helped introduce ideas like: • corners • throw-ins • free kicks (in early forms) In the mid-1800s football was still divided between many different rule systems, public schools, universities, and clubs each had their own versions. Sheffield F.C. was one of the first to organise a consistent club structure outside schools.

Creation of modern football (1863)

The key moment came in 1863 with the founding of the: ⚽ The Football Association The FA created standardised rules called the Laws of the Game. Professional football became legal in 1885 because clubs were already secretly paying players. The Old Carthusians are former pupils of Charterhouse School, one of England’s historic public schools. Old Carthusians emerged during the formative years of organised English football. Comprised largely of Charterhouse School graduates, the team combined public-school discipline with a passing style that contrasted with the more physical northern clubs. In 1881, the side defeated Old Etonians F.C. 3–0 in the FA Cup Final, becoming the last amateur old boys’ team to win the trophy. The founder members of the Football League were the 12 clubs that formed the world’s first organised football league competition in 1888. It was created by William McGregor, a director of Aston Villa, to provide regular fixtures instead of unplanned friendlies. Original 12 Football League clubs (1888) ⚽ First Division founding members: • Accrington F.C. • Aston Villa F.C. • Blackburn Rovers F.C. • Bolton Wanderers F.C. • Burnley F.C. • Derby County F.C. • Everton F.C. • Nottingham Forest F.C. • Preston North End F.C. • Stoke City F.C. (then known as Stoke) • West Bromwich Albion F.C. • Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.

Major competitions

Some of the biggest competitions include: • Premier League • FIFA World Cup • UEFA Champions League • FA Cup - began in 1871 and is the world’s oldest national football competition.

Important organisations

• FIFA - world governing body • UEFA - governs European football • The Football Association - oldest national football association

International football

The first official international football match took place in 1872 between England and Scotland Britain also helped found FIFA although the British associations often had a complicated relationship with international football governance.

Cultural impact

Football became deeply connected with working-class communities in Britain during the Industrial Revolution and later spread globally through trade, empire, migration, and media. Today it is especially influential in: • Europe • South America • Africa • the Middle East • and increasingly North America and Asia

Famous figures

Some of the most famous footballers include: • Pelé • Sir Stanley Matthews • Lionel Messi • Cristiano Ronaldo • George Best British football stadiums are among the most famous in the world, ranging from historic grounds built in the 19th century to ultra-modern arenas. They reflect the deep roots of football in working-class communities and the sport’s later commercial growth. Wembley Stadium National stadium of England and home of the The Football Association Hosts: FA Cup final England national team matches, major finals like the Champions League. Current stadium opened in 2007 (on the site of the original Wembley) Anfield Home of Liverpool F.C. Opened in 1884 and famous for the “Kop” stand and intense atmosphere. One of the most iconic stadiums in world football Old Trafford Home of Manchester United F.C. Opened in 1910 Nicknamed the “Theatre of Dreams” and one of the largest club stadiums in the UK Stamford Bridge Home of Chelsea F.C. Opened in 1877 Located in West London and has been heavily redeveloped over time. Etihad Stadium Home of Manchester City F.C. Modern stadium (opened 2003) Emirates Stadium Home of Arsenal F.C. Opened 2006 replacing Highbury St James' Park Home of Newcastle United F.C. One of the most atmospheric stadiums in Britain