Meaning of Football

We all are familiar with the word 'Football'. Football is the number one as well as popular sport in the globe. The basic meaning of football can be known from the word itself as it comprise of two words foot and ball; which in normal means playing a ball with our legs (foot). The etymological meaning of football is action of foot kicking and playing with a ball. But, it is understood differently by different people. There is huge difference in its understanding between person who has not played even a single game and a professional footballer. There is no limited meaning of football.

Football contains many varieties. Elements of the game decide the kind of football. We have a basic concept about football that it is played by two teams each containing 11 players in field and 5,7 or 9 players in the bench where only three substitutes are available in a match normally of 90 minutes which sometimes gets extended if there is same score. But, football is played in many ways and it is played in various forms which is the identity of their type. It is known as association football (soccer), Rugby football, Gridirons football or Australian rules football or also known as Gaelic football.

History of football dates back to the Ancient Greece and during the Roman regime. They were known for playing many ball games which included using of feet as well. It used to be identified often as popular peasant games. Football's history dates back during 338-311 BC during which Roman game harpastum is believed to be adapted which resembled the features of Rugby football. Similarly, games resembling similar to football were played in ancient Asia i.e. China and Japan. Many anthropologists and historians give reference to traditional or ancient ball games which were played by tribal and indigenous peoples. However, expansion of British empire allowed football to be played globally which gave a huge impact to the development and popularize football. Development of football reached to its heights when the Football League was  established in 1888 which featured English professional football clubs from England and Wales. In early nineteenth century, football were made out of animal bladder. Richard Lindon is believed to be the father of football who made ball from rubber bladder in 1880. Later, these rubber bladder were covered by leathers to keep in shape. We can claim that football is the most ancient sports which is popular till present.

After the early nineteenth century, the gradual evolution of football geared up its speed and in the contemporary world, this sport is taken as an organized and scientific sport which is very much entertaining and liked by all.