Football finds its real roots in medieval soule (or choule). This game was practiced in schools and universities but also by people on both sides of the Channel. The first written mention of soule in France goes back to 1147 and its English equivalent dates to 1174. From the 16th century, the swollen leather ball was common in France. For a long time forbidden for military reasons in England or for economic productivity in France, soule, in spite of its brutality, remained popular till the beginning of the 19th century on the British isles and in northwest France. The game was also practiced by the colonists of North America and it was forbidden in particular by the authorities of the city of Boston in 1657. Named football in English, soule was renamed folk football (football of the people) by the English-speaking historians of the sport to distinguish it from modern football.
Football developed more and more in England then spread to France and the rules were codified. In 1904, an International Federation, FIFA, was founded. Football became the most practiced sport in the world and spread to a lot of countries where it became almost a religion. At present, there are 264 million players worldwide, both professional and amateur.
Everybody can play football, both men and women. There is a football league for both. You can play football if you like running, collective sport, being with others, and the real spirit of this sport.To play football, you need a field (usually 100m x 70m, but maximum 130m x 90m) with goals at both ends, a round ball, football shoes, shin protection, clothes adapted to the sport, and eleven players on each side (one goal-keeper and 10 players) with substitutes.There are numerous rules to respect to be able to play in the best conditions, like respecting other players and the referee, the faults rules, the offside rule, etc.
Since the creation of this sport, there have been several geniuses of football. Numerous people have tried to imitate Pelé, Maradona, Zidane and the others. There are a lot of competitions around Europe and the world, including the Champions’ League, National Leagues cup, Euro Cup and the World Cup, where you can admire your favorite players. Each year, there is an award for the best player: the golden ball (this year Lionel Messi got it).
Football is very important nowadays. How many people go every week to see their favorite team in a stadium of 50 000 seats on average? Even if football is nowadays a lot about money, it remains popular. It is above all about a bunch of mates who try to surpass themselves, for others and for victory.
I love football because I’m fond of the beautiful game, I like running and spending energy for my friends because I know that they will do it for me too… It is a sport where it is necessary to trust in oneself and give everything on the soccer field.I’m fond of kicking the ball at the goal just to mark the most beautiful goal. In fact, I’m always in competition with my friends. I’m a big big fan of all professional players and I would like to be able to do what they do but I know that I will not be able to achieve their level.
Football can be a dangerous game, and I have suffered several injuries including fractures of the shin and the fibula as well as a sprain of the knee. But football is for me a second life, it’s a life which helps me get my ideas straight after school… I could not abandon the atmosphere of the changing room. I cannot stop football.
I just want to say that you should never give up because nothing is impossible.
Article by Alex P.
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