Aviva Directory » Sports & Recreation » Ball Games » Soccer

This section of our guide focuses on association football, more commonly known as soccer in the United States and some other countries or as football elsewhere.

The roots of association football can be traced back to ancient games played across various civilizations. Early games resembling football were played in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and in Mesoamerican cultures, where ceremonial rubber ball games held cultural significance. However, modern versions of the sport originated in England in the mid-19th century.

In 1863, the Football Association was established in London, formalizing the rules of football, distinguishing it from rugby. This marked the beginning of the sport as we know it today. The codification of the game encouraged its rapid spread, first across Europe and later to the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Soccer is played on a rectangular pitch measuring up to 120 meters in length and 90 meters in width, with two goalposts at either end. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by propelling the ball into the opposing team's net using any part of the body except the hands and arms. Goalkeepers are an exception, as they can use their hands within the penalty area. Matches are typically divided into two 45-minute halves, with additional stoppage time added for interruptions.

The game's rules are overseen by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which maintains and updates the laws of the game. These laws cover various aspects, including fouls, offside positions, free kicks, and penalties. The simplicity of its rules has contributed to its popularity and spread.

A standard soccer team has 11 players, including one goalkeeper. The outfield players are categorized into three main roles. Positioned closest to their team's goal, defenders focus on preventing the opposing team from scoring. Midfielders are positioned in the center of the field, acting as a bridge between defense and attack. Forwards are positioned nearest the opponent's goal, specializing in scoring and creating goal-scoring opportunities. The roles within these categories can be further subdivided into sub-positions, such as center-backs, full-backs, central midfielders, wingers, and strikers.

The global organization overseeing association football (soccer) is the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which was established in 1904. FIFA organizes and governs international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, which is held every four years.

At continental levels, governing bodies such as the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), the American Football Conference (AFC), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) regulate regional competitions and foster the development of the sport.

While "football" is the dominant term worldwide, "soccer" is used in some countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Topics related to association football, whether it's called soccer, football, or by any other name, are appropriate for this category.

 

 

Recommended Resources


Search for Soccer on Google or Bing