Association football, also known as just football, is a competitive team game played by about 250 million people in more than 200 countries and dependencies. The name “football” was derived from the German term “engesamme”, which meant “ball”. The game of football has its roots in the Roman and Greek cultures, where it was often played alongside other games, such as wrestling, and horse riding. In the middle ages it was turned into a sport for aristocratic families, and it became popular in Europe after the tournament organized by Pope Innocent III in 12 Gettysburg. The game spread quickly to England, Scotland, and Australia, where it became known as “Gaelic football”.
Throughout history: football has enjoyed a mixed bag of success, from being a second home for the English people to a major international event. World Cup history has also been littered with embarrassing blunders, such as the boot the Brazil team received after losing in the quarter finals to Argentina in the world cup in 1994. Football has been a premier tournament game, with the European and American nations hosting it each year. The World Cup is also the only event that draws a larger audience than the Olympics, drawing more spectators and global television audiences worldwide. Soccer has always been a prominent world religion, with many followers following the fortunes of their favorite team through history.
The game of football can be divided into two divisions: Association football and Premier League Football. Association football is governed by the FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations) and its six confederations. The Associations arrange qualification tournaments throughout the year, with the top teams advancing to the championship stage. From there they face off against the other teams in the competition, with the winning team taking on the trophy for the highest overall prize at the end of the season.
League football is the second division of football: It uses the soccer rules of ‘fouls’ and ‘stoppages’; the goalkeepers are usually either outfield players or defenders. The sport is much quicker and more action packed than Association football, with only eleven players on each team. Each player is allowed only eleven kicks, with the exception of two corner kicks and one free kick, although the center forward and designated goalkeeper are usually allowed twelve each game.
The boundaries of the playing field are defined by marking lines: which are three feet high, three yards wide and fifteen yards long. The outer boundary line is usually marked by a white brick wall. The inside boundary line is usually unmarked. The goal post is located thirty yards from the edge of the playing field.
The game of football is very popular around the world: with the United States enjoying huge popularity, as well as in Europe, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Japan. As with all sports, the game has its own terminology, rules, and traditions. The rules for this game are very similar to that of Association football; the scoring system is the same, however, a penalty is awarded to any team when a foul is committed by one of their players.
The game is played at an indoor stadium, which are very large, with hard surfaces giving the game a unique feel.