Why is Soccer Called Soccer: The Evolution of a Sport

When it comes to the question of why soccer is called soccer, the answer is both interesting and deeply rooted in history. This article will explore the origins of the sport and the evolution of how it came to be known as 'soccer' in certain regions.

A Brief History of the Sport

The history of soccer, or football as it is known in most parts of the world, can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England. In those times, a sport referred to as ‘football’ was popular, and it involved large groups of people playing on fields with minimal rules and regulations. It was described by contemporaries as a game that was 'abominable' and 'worthless,' yet it was celebrated during events like Shrove Tuesday.

The Original Term and Its Evolution

The original term for the sport was actually 'football,' which was used to describe any game played with a ball between two teams. This encompassed a variety of games with different rules and structures, not all of which resembled the modern game of football. Over time, as various forms of the sport developed, some individuals and regions began to differentiate between them.

The Birth of Association Football

In 1863, the Football Association (FA) of England was founded and it was here that the rules for a specific version of football were standardized. This game, which eventually became known as association football, or soccer, officially began to diverge from other forms of football. The term 'soccer' was coined as a short form of 'association.' This shortened version of the term gained popularity, especially in British English, as a means to distinguish between the different versions of football.

Derivation of Other Football Variants

As the English Empire spread across the globe, various forms of the sport evolved in different regions:

Australian Rules Football

In Australia, the game known as Australian Rules Football emerged in 1858. It was characterized by its unique rules, such as players being allowed to handle the ball, and its larger, oval-shaped ball. Despite its differences from the British association football, it was still referred to as 'football' because it was another variation of the original sport.

Canadian Rules Football

Canada saw the development of Canadian football, which was first played in 1861. This game also evolved from the original football with distinct rules, such as the gridiron field and the scoring system. It was generally referred to as 'football' for the same reason as other regional variations.

American Football

In the United States, rugby was similarly adapted into what we now know as American football. The term 'football' was used to describe this game, and though it was quite different from the British version, it still fell under the broader category of football.

The Term 'Soccer' in Popular Culture

The term 'soccer' became more prominent in American English, particularly in the United States, as a way to distinguish the sport from American football. Over time, it became widely used and accepted, even though it remained a somewhat colloquial term.

Conclusion

The evolution of the sport from its medieval origins to the various regional forms we know today highlights the diversity and adaptability of 'football.' Whether you're talking about soccer, association football, or any of its other variants, the underlying game has a rich history that spans centuries.

So, if you ever find yourself questioning why soccer is called soccer, remember that it's a fascinating journey that has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and regional adaptations.