by Steve Haubrick
A version of “soccer” was played throughout the world in ancient and pre-industrialized society. The Chinese called it Tsu Chu. The Japanese called it Kemari. The Greek called it Episkyros. However, the game took more of its current form starting in Industrialized Britain in the 1800s. Prior to this, soccer was considered a “mob” sport due to the high volume of violence. In fact, the King of England banned the sport for several years until installing rules and code of conduct to bring the game to its modern form. Eleven clubs formed an organization, which standardized rules for the game in the 1860s and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) was formed in 1886. As a result, many consider Britain as the birthplace of modern soccer.
FIFA, the main body to organize international events like the World Cup, was formed in 1904 in response to the Olympics. With the game established and the modern Olympics starting in 1896, soccer began growing throughout the world by leaps and bounds. The Olympics had it as a demonstration sport in 1900 and 1904. Soccer was added as an official sport for men in 1908 and women in 1996. Except for 1932, the sport has been a part of the Olympics throughout this timeframe. The sport was excluded from the 1932 Olympics due to the Americans wanting to promote American Football.
As a result of its exclusion, FIFA created the World Cup. This is an international tournament among countries to find the best soccer team in the world. The first men’s World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930 and will be played in Brazil in 2014. Women’s soccer had its own World Cup established in 1991 and will have its next event held in Canada in 2015. The Cup is held every four years and is considered the most popular event in the world.
On the men’s sides, Europe dominated the sport in its early years but South America has become stronger in the past three decades. With the women, the United States has dominated since its inclusion.
Steve Haubrick is the MYSL/Murrieta Surf Soccer Club President. Should you have any questions about the game or want to find out more details about soccer, feel free to contact me at president@myslsoccer.org“>president@myslsoccer.org.