Soccer began in England in the early 1830's as a popular sport for working-class communities. It was seen as a way of keeping the children out of trouble around the house and while they were in school. They could relieve frustration and learn to work as a team, important concepts to help them grow and adjust to life as adults.
In 1857, the first clubs were formed in Sheffield. Within 10 years, the clubs had enough of a following to form their own association, the Football Association, around 1867.
After the first matches between associations such as the Sheffield Football Association and the London Football Association, the clubs decided that official rules were needed that could be followed between clubs.
The groups got together and began trying to establish rules that everyone would approve, but there were many issues that could not be resolved. Although they eventually came up with rules, part of the group branched off and created the Rugby Football Union.
Although in America, the sport is called soccer, throughout much of the rest of the world it is known as football, and what Americans know as football is called American football.
Soccer first entered the United States through the upper class; it was played by schoolboys and college men, but there was not a formal soccer club until 1862 when the Boston Oneida soccer club was formed.
Generally, this is considered the first club to carry a
regular roster, because until this time pick-up games were the norm. The club was an elite subsection of the population that would play against pick-up teams. Throughout the four-year history of the Oneida Soccer Club, they never lost a game.
Beginning in the 1920's, soccer really began to gain a place in America. The American Soccer League was founded in 1921, guaranteeing that the game was here to stay; it was almost as popular as the National Football League for a time.
Eventually, the game and the clubs began to be available to children and adults from the lower socio-economic classes with the formation of a new league, termed the ASL. Since this formation, soccer has become an increasingly popular sport throughout the United States.
Today many people around the world stop everything during the World Cup Finals to watch the game and cheer for their team. If you want to know more about soccer, search the Internet or visit with someone from your local league.
Darcy Yarnell describes herself as a Soccer Mom. Dedicated to the sport, Darcy contributes to YN Soccer, offering free information and connecting you to resources related to soccer. Darcy's interest in soccer extends to other sports. Visit YX Sports and Row Z Baseball for additional articles.
Written By: Darcy Yarnell
