Association football, also known as just football, is a competitive team sport usually played between two parallel teams of eleven players. It’s played professionally by about 250 million players throughout more than 200 different countries and dependencies, which make it the most popular sport in the world. While many people play soccer for fun, it is also a great sport for those who want to participate in a sport that requires them to use their brains and physical abilities. In fact, football has even been called the “brainchild” of professional football players – although there are disputes over this.
A game that grew out of American football was soccer, which later took its shape of rugby when the two games became more closely related. The popularity of soccer waned during the early twentieth century, but then picked up again, especially in Europe, where it became even more popular. There are three international soccer tournaments that are played every four years, and the World Cup is the most watched event. Professional soccer players have also become celebrities, even being paraded through the streets of every major city on an international stage of fame and fortune.
In America, football has always been a sort of semi-professional sport that is played by small independent clubs, known as neighborhood groups, for varying periods of time. The rules of the game differ from state to state, but typically the game is played on an even playing field with three sides (away, toward, and neutral). Since professional teams play against each other, it is impossible for fans to see live action on TV. However, television has enabled many Americans to watch the sport through live streaming video websites such as YouTube.
The object of the game is to score more points (“yards”) than the other team. Each team tries to accomplish this by utilizing various tactics, including passing the ball, running, kicking, and coverage on defense. The offensive players move around the field using a grid system to indicate where they should be at each point in the play. When the ball is snapped, the offensive players take their positions. As the ball is snapped, the defense players must react quickly to prevent the offense from getting the ball into the end zone.
American football was played and officiated primarily by men since the inception of the game. However, in England, rugby players began playing football games and the game quickly became a hit among the population there. As the popularity of the game grew, so did the number of men playing the game. Today, approximately eighty-five percent of all football players in America are either male or female. Additionally, England is not the only country in which football is played; in fact, there are numerous soccer rivalries between countries from around the world.
A variety of different types of football can be played in different countries and climates. In the United States, the most well known is American football. It is the most popular professional football in the country. Despite the differences in the rules of the various football leagues, the game has continued to grow in popularity. Currently, approximately three-quarters of the registered members in the NFL are American.