History of  Football

Early History

During the early-mid nineteenth century, various sets of rules for football began to be established in schools, universities, and clubs. The first such set of rules to be published was that of Rugby School in 1845. At the University of Cambridge in 1846, two old Shrewsbury boys, Messrs H. de Winton and J. C. Thring, persuaded some Old Etonians to join them and formed a club. Matches were few and far between, but some were played on Parker's Piece. Unfortunately, the game was not popular at the Varsity then, and the club did not last long. According to Thring's own account, written in 1861, an attempt was made to introduce a common game and form a really respectable club at Cambridge, but the Rugby game was found to be the great obstacle to the combination of Eton, Winchester, and Shrewsbury men in forming a football club. These early attempts to formulate a set of "compromise" rules of football at Cambridge between alumni of different schools were the first positive steps to create an identity of views and a common code of laws acceptable to as many as possible. In 1848, a new set of rules was created for use at the University of Cambridge, drawing from features present in the different public school games. A later set of "Cambridge Rules" from 1856 survives in a copy at Shrewsbury School. Another set of rules was set by Eton College in 1847.

During the 1850s, many clubs unconnected to schools or universities were formed throughout the English-speaking world, to play various forms of football. Some came up with their own distinct codes of rules, most notably the Sheffield Rules, created by the Sheffield Football Club, formed in 1857, which were adopted by the newly formed Sheffield Football Association in 1867. During the early 1860s, there were increasing attempts in England to unify and reconcile the various football games that were played in the public schools as well in the industrial north under the Sheffield Rules. In 1862, J. C. Thring, who had been one of the driving forces behind the original Cambridge Rules, was a master at Uppingham School and issued his own rules of what he called "The Simplest Game" (aka the Uppingham Rules). In early October 1863, a new set of "Cambridge Rules" was drawn up by a seven-member committee representing former pupils of Eton, Harrow, Shrewsbury, Rugby, Marlborough and Westminster.

Ebenezer Cobb Morley, a solicitor from Hull, wrote to Bell's Life newspaper in 1863, proposing a governing body for football. Morley was to become the FA's first secretary (1863–66) and its second president (1867–74), but is particularly remembered for drafting the first Laws of the Game at his home in Barnes, London, that are today played the world over. For this, he is considered not just the father of the Football Association, but of association football itself.

Public schools such as Charterhouse and Westminster School were influential in forming the new rules, at both schools the pupils' surroundings meant they were confined to playing their football in the cloisters, making the rough and tumble of the handling game that was developing at other schools such as Rugby impossible, and necessitating a different code of rules. Forest School was also influential in formulating the new rules, being present at the fifth meeting of the F.A. on 1 December 1863, and having several members at the influential Forest Club. During the formulation of the rules of association football in the 1860s representatives of Charterhouse and Westminster pushed for a passing game, in particular rules that allowed forward passing ("passing on"). Other schools (in particular Eton College, Shrewsbury School and Harrow) favoured a dribbling game with a tight off-side rule. It is claimed that Stoke Ramblers were formed in 1863 when former pupils of Charterhouse School formed a football club while apprentices at the North Staffordshire Railway works in Stoke-on-Trent. By 1867 the Football Association had chosen in favour of the Charterhouse and Westminster game and adopted a "loose" off-side rule that permitted forward passing.

On the evening of 26 October 1863, representatives of several football clubs in the Greater London area met at the Freemasons' Tavern on Long Acre in Covent Garden. This was the first meeting of The Football Association (FA). It was the world's first official football body and for this reason is not preceded with the word English. The first meeting resulted in the issuing of a request for representatives of the public schools to join the association. With the exception of Thring at Uppingham, most schools declined. In total, six meetings of the FA were held between October and December 1863. Committee member J. F. Alcock, said: "The Cambridge Rules appear to be the most desirable for the Association to adopt."

Why's football become so famous around the world

Football, also known as soccer in some regions, has gained immense fame and popularity worldwide due to several key factors. One of the primary reasons for its global popularity is its accessibility. Unlike some other sports that require expensive equipment or specialized facilities, football can be played with just a ball and an open space. This accessibility means that people from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background, can participate in and enjoy the game.

The basic rules of football are simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to people of all ages and levels of athleticism. The objective of scoring goals by getting the ball into the opposing team's net is straightforward yet engaging, allowing for widespread participation and enjoyment. Football transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographical boundaries, making it a truly universal sport. Whether you're in Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, or any other part of the world, chances are you'll find people playing or following football passionately. This universal appeal fosters a sense of global community and camaraderie among fans. The sport offers a unique blend of skill, strategy, athleticism, and drama, making it a thrilling and captivating spectacle to watch. The fast-paced nature of the game, along with its moments of skillful play, dramatic goals, and unexpected outcomes, keeps fans on the edge of their seats and coming back for more. In many countries and regions, football holds deep cultural significance and serves as a symbol of national identity and pride. Matches and tournaments often become cultural events, bringing communities together and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.

The widespread media coverage of football, including television broadcasts, live streaming, social media, and print publications, ensures that fans around the world can easily access and follow their favorite teams and players. Major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League attract billions of viewers globally, further fueling the sport's popularity. Football boasts a rich history of legendary players and iconic teams whose achievements inspire millions of fans worldwide. These athletes serve as role models and cultural icons, not only for their on-field prowess but also for their off-field influence and charitable work. Overall, the combination of accessibility, simplicity, universal appeal, thrilling entertainment, cultural significance, extensive media coverage, and iconic figures all contribute to football's status as the world's most popular and beloved sport.