Soccer started thousands of years ago. In ancient China, people played “Cuju,” where they kicked a ball through a net. Japan had a game called “Kemari,” where players kept the ball in the air. These early games shaped soccer into what it is today.
Early Forms of Soccer
Soccer, or football in most places, has ancient roots. One of the earliest forms was “Cuju” in China, dating back to the fourth century B.C. The Han dynasty made it more formal around the second century B.C. Players kicked a ball through a net, often during military drills.
Japan had “Kemari” around 1004 B.C. This game focused on skill and teamwork, where players kept the ball in the air without using their hands.
In Australia, indigenous groups played “Marn Gook,” a kicking game from several millennia ago. Like Cuju and Kemari, it likely emerged independently.
Ancient Soccer Games
Ancient societies played games that resembled soccer. In Greece, they had “Episkyros.” Two teams tried to get a ball over the other team’s boundary line. The Romans adopted this game and called it “Harpastum.” It was rougher and used a smaller ball on a rectangular field.
China also had “Tsu’ Chu” during the Han Dynasty from 206 BC to 220 AD. The ball in Tsu’ Chu was leather, stuffed with feathers and hair.
| Ancient Game | Origin | Period | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuju | China | 4th century B.C. | Kicking a ball through a net opening |
| Kemari | Japan | 1004 B.C. | Keeping a ball in the air without hands |
| Marn Gook | Australia | Several millennia ago | Indigenous kicking game |
| Episkyros | Greece | Ancient Greece | Two teams, boundary lines |
| Harpastum | Rome | Ancient Rome | Physical, smaller ball |
| Tsu’ Chu | China | 206 BC – 220 AD | Leather ball stuffed with feathers and hair |
These early games set the stage for soccer as we know it. Want more? Check out our articles on is soccer basically football?, is soccer bigger than football?
How Soccer Took Over the World
The Birth of Modern Soccer in England
Soccer, or football as the Brits call it, got its formal start in the 19th century. It all kicked off in England’s public schools and universities, where they decided to give some structure to the chaotic folk games.
These places were the breeding ground for the first official rules of the game. The Laws of the Game were penned down during this time, marking a huge step in soccer’s journey (Jobs in Football).
The big moment came on October 26th, 1863. Folks from different football clubs gathered at the Freemasons’ Tavern on Great Queen Street in London to form the English Football Association (FA).
They hammered out the Laws of the Game, creating a unified rulebook. Ebenezer Morley, a solicitor from Hull, was a key player in this process (Jobs in Football).
So, 1863 is often marked as the year soccer as we know it was born. This formalization turned soccer from a bunch of local, often rowdy, folk games into a more organized and widely accepted sport.
Soccer Goes Global
Soccer quickly spread after its formal start in England. The first international game between England and Scotland in 1872 was a major event. This match showed how popular the game had become and pushed for global rules.
The British Empire helped spread soccer worldwide. Sailors, merchants, and soldiers introduced it in Europe, South America, and Africa. Each region added its own style, and the game’s simple rules made it easy to play.
International tournaments fueled soccer’s growth. The first FIFA World Cup in 1930 brought teams from many nations together. Today, soccer is a global sport, loved and played by millions. Its rich history inspires new generations everywhere.
Want to dig deeper? Check out our articles on which countries call it soccer vs football and why do Americans call it soccer?.
