The History of Football (and football)!

Have you ever wondered where American Football came from? Have you ever wondered why every other country calls soccer "football"....except the U.S.?

These can all be answered by looking at the origins of their words!

Although no one can pinpoint exactly where futbol (soccer) originated, the most modern version comes from England! In the 11th century, between 1018 and 1042, England was under attack from the Danes! While workers were excavating a building site, they uncovered a Dane's head. The workers then began a game they called "Kick the Dane's Head" in an effort to intimidate the Danes, one of whom decided to use an inflated cow bladder.

Most early football games were like giant mobs. Large amounts of people from two villages would gather and kick the ball! The village to kick the ball to the center of the opposing groups village, was the victor. In the 12th century, the game was condensed to a smaller size and the rules were standardized. Unfortunately, since futbol "upset village life", King Henry II banned it from England. It wasn't until 1603 that King James ! legalized the game again.

Football really began to take off in the 1800's. Football clubs were beginning to come into existance. Most were formed by churches to give factory workers recreational activities to partake in.

In 1863, several football clubs came together and formed an association, standardizing the rules and organizing official leagues. This is where language comes in!

The word soccer came into existance in 1863 when supporters of the game formed the Football Association. This was later shortened to assoc, which was further twisted into soccer.

That's cool, but where does that tie into American Football?

Well, Rugby was invented in 1823 when a soccer (football) player from Rugby, England picked up the soccer ball and ran with it! The ball was later reshaped and the sport known as American Football was born!

So, in conclusion, the word soccer comes from the word association! Where as football (soccer) became rugby and later football (american) again!

#sports #football #futbol #soccer #history #words #languagehistory