| Soccer, also known as associated football, is | | | | |
| a very popular team sport that is played | | | | Special equipment is needed to play soccer |
| globally. Various versions of soccer have | | | | and the rules are strict. Players must wear |
| been around since as early as 1500 BC! Soccer | | | | specific types of shirts, shorts, socks, foot |
| as we know it started in the mid 19th | | | | ware, and shin guards. They are restricted |
| century, and is a result of global efforts to | | | | against wearing any type of jewelry or |
| standardize the rules of the game around the | | | | watches to avoid injury to themselves or |
| world. However, the first "rule book" of | | | | other players. Goalkeepers must wear |
| soccer (or football) was written in 1633 in | | | | different clothing so that they can be easily |
| Scotland. Since its humble beginnings, soccer | | | | set apart by the other players and game |
| has swelled into a much-loved sport played by | | | | officials. |
| over 240 million people in 200 countries. | | | | |
| | | | Soccer is played on a flat grass field that |
| Soccer is not an easy sport, what makes | | | | measures 110 x 80 yards and has sidelines and |
| soccer so difficult is that none of the | | | | goal lines market clearly on it. The soccer |
| players, except the goalkeeper, can use their | | | | field also has two rectangular goals, one at |
| arms to touch the ball. And, throughout | | | | each end. |
| history, not everyone has loved soccer...in | | | | |
| 1314 Edward II of England banned soccer in | | | | A standard adult soccer game consists of two |
| London, in 1349 Edward III banned soccer in | | | | forty-five minute periods with fifteen-minute |
| favor of archery, in 1424 James I of Scotland | | | | half-time break. |
| banned soccer, in 1555 Oxford University | | | | |
| banned soccer, in 1574 Cambridge University | | | | Soccer is enjoyed by millions of children |
| banned soccer, in 1747 Eton College banned | | | | around the world as well and there are |
| soccer, in 1750 Rugby, Harrow, Charterhouse, | | | | governing bodies for both children and adult |
| Shrewsbury, and Winchester colleges all | | | | games on national and international levels. |
| banned soccer, and in 1835 the "Highway Act" | | | | Soccer is also broken down into Men and |
| banned the playing of soccer in public | | | | Women's soccer. Each of these divisions holds |
| streets. | | | | many competitions at the highest of |
| | | | international levels. Woman's soccer has come |
| As a spectator sport, soccer invokes passion | | | | into its own as an athletic center of |
| in its fans like almost no other! It has been | | | | influence in the last several years. |
| the cause of riots, war, peace, and millions | | | | |
| of sore throats! It is no wonder that it is | | | | Soccer matches can be viewed on television, |
| said that soccer is the most popular sport in | | | | through the internet, and, of course, through |
| the world. | | | | the various forms of print media. |