FOOTBALL

Football may refer to one of a number of team sports which all involve, to varying degrees,kicking a ball with the foot to score a goal

The most popular of these sports worldwide isassociation football, more commonly known as just "football" or "soccer".

Soccer/football is one of the most popular sports in Europe and the Americas. It has a vivid and interesting history in the world of sports. Early evidence of soccer being played as a sport finds occurrence in China during the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. In China, it was during the Han dynasty that people dribbled leather balls by kicking it into a small net. Recorded facts also support the fact that Romans and Greeks used to play ball for fun and frolic. Some facts point to Kyoto in Japan where kicking of ball was a popular sport.

It is said that early growth of the modern soccer started in England It is said that early growth of the modern soccer started in England. Some amusing facts even mention that the first ball used was the head of some Danish brigand. It is said that during medieval times, the old form of soccer used to allow many ill practices like kicking, punching, biting and gouging. The main aim was to carry the ball to a target spot. People grew so fond of the game that they would throng the field all day long. Sometimes the competition grew fierce and masses got so wild that there were frequent incidents of violence during the game. 

It is also said that soldiers admired the game so much that they missed archery practice to watch it. King Edward III banned soccer in 1365 owing to the growing incidents of violence and military indulgence in the sport. In 1424 King James I of Scotland also proclaimed in the Parliament� "Na man play at the Fute-ball" (No man shall play football)

ELEMENTS Two teams of usually between 11 and 18 players; some variations that have fewer players (five or more per team) are also popular. A clearly defined area in which to play the game. Scoring goals or points, by moving the ball to an opposing team's end of the field and either into a goal area, or over a line.

Goals or points resulting from players putting the ball between two goalposts. The goal or line being defended by the opposing team. Players being required to move the ball—depending on the code—by kicking, carrying, or hand-passing the ball. Players using only their body to move the ball.

There are rules restricting the movement of players offside, and players scoring a goal must put the ball either under or over acrossbar between the goalposts. Other features common to several football codes include: points being mostly scored by players carrying the ball across the goal line; and players receiving a free kick after they take a mark or make a fair catch.

EQUIPMENTS * JERSY * SHORTS *FOOTWEAR *SHIN PADS *STOCKINS/KNEE SOCK

POSITIONS Goalkeeper There is always just one Goalkeeper per team POSITIONS Goalkeeper There is always just one Goalkeeper per team. The Goalkeeper's job is to defend his team's goal and he usually stays close to his goal. You can identify the Goalie because he wears a different colored shirt or a vest over his shirt. Except for "Throw-Ins" and to pick up the ball in "Re-Start" situations, the Goalie is the only player who can legally use his hands.

Fullbacks Fullbacks play closest to their goal (which is the goal their Goalkeeper defends). Along with the Goalkeeper, they have the primary job of stopping the opponents from scoring. To a degree, every player should be a "defender" when the opponent has the ball.

Midfielders The Midfielders play between the Fullbacks and the Forwards. They are often in the "Middle Third" of the field. There can be "Offensive Midfielders" who play closer to the Forwards and "Defensive Midfielders" (also called "Stoppers") who play closer to the Fullbacks

Forwards Forwards play closer to the opponent's goal, which is the goal guarded by the opposing Goalkeeper. The Forwards are the primary scorers, although Midfielders sometimes score and at older ages Fullbacks even occasionally score.

A Sweeper will play behind the Fullbacks and a Stopper will play between the Fullbacks and the Midfielders. These positions add additional layers of defenders and give you defensive strength in the Center of the field. A good Stopper can be worth 2 goals per game to Rec teams, and is the most important position on the field for many Rec teams.