| Modern day soccer can generally trace it's beginning | | | | gained the widespread popularity that soccer enjoys |
| to England in the 1800's although many countries and | | | | in the rest of the world. |
| cultures can lay claim to forms of soccer dating back | | | | In America to call soccer "football" is unacceptable. |
| centuries. Who knows ancient man likely kicked | | | | Football in America is a completely different sport. |
| around rocks in prehistoric forms of soccer. | | | | Soccer has found widespread popularity in schools |
| Among popular stories about the origin of soccer is | | | | and soccer clubs throughout the U.S. since the mid |
| from the 8th century when a Prince from Denmark | | | | seventies and American soccer teams have done |
| was beheaded. The story is told that his head was | | | | well in international play. |
| kicked around on the ground and used like ball. King | | | | Major League Soccer (MLS), founded in 1993, |
| Edward III had to pass laws attempting to stop | | | | consisted of 10 teams when it began it's first season |
| people from playing the game as it's origins are | | | | of competition in 1996. An estimated 3 million fans |
| claimed to have resulted in injury and death. | | | | watched the playoffs that year. Today in 2010 MLS |
| But generally modern soccer can be traced to | | | | consists of 16 teams and will expand to 18 teams on |
| England in the 1800's played by the upper classes, the | | | | 2011. |
| Aristocracy. It wasn't long before soccer was played | | | | As the sport of soccer evolved so did the soccer |
| by the common classes and that's where it's | | | | ball. Possibly the very first ball was a human head, or |
| popularity ultimately took hold. Soccer is a simple and | | | | human skulls. Heads and skulls not being acceptable |
| inexpensive sport and was easily adopted throughout | | | | today, the evolution of the soccer ball through the |
| the world. Many countries live and die by their | | | | years has consisted of sewn-up wads of cloth, even |
| beloved soccer clubs and teams. | | | | animal bladders, to finally the introduction of a leather |
| Founded in 1863 the London Football Association | | | | ball. |
| formalized the games rules throughout Europe. Soon | | | | Later the invention of rubber led to Charles |
| professional teams were formed and soccer heros | | | | Goodyear creating a rubberized soccer ball in 1855. |
| were born. | | | | After FIFA was formed standardization of the soccer |
| Soccer spread quickly and was first played in the | | | | ball was included in the formal rules that were |
| Olympics in 1900 at the turn of the Century. In 1904 | | | | adopted. Today inflatable soccer balls are used that |
| the Federation Internationale de Football Association | | | | are not only suitable for kicking but can be "headed" |
| known as FIFA was created and the first World Cup | | | | without knocking out the player due to the heavy |
| competitions were held in 1930. Every four years the | | | | leather initially used. |
| 24 best teams from around the world compete for | | | | Soccer shows no signs of slowing down throughout |
| the World Cup. | | | | the world, it's growth in terms of both professional |
| In the United States the United States Soccer | | | | teams and recreational plays promise to continue and |
| Federation was formed in 1913, but soccer has never | | | | prosper. |