HISTORY OF SOCCER IN NIGERIA, WHAT SOCCER BALL IS MADE OF, WHAT IS FOOTBALL SOCCER?

Soccer History
            Soccer 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. 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 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).
            When and where exactly did soccer start is a question that has no precise answer to it. You can easily say that this popular game has been played for more than three thousand years. The nativity of modern-day soccer must be credited to Britain. It was also known as the association football, with Scotland and England being the co-founders of the systematic game of soccer.

Modern History of Soccer: 18th Century onwards
            In 1815, a major development took place that made soccer popular in Universities, Colleges and Schools. The popular English School and Eton College came forth with a set of rules, known as the Cambridge Rules. Football was segregated into two groups; some colleges and schools opted for Rugby rules that allowed tripping, shin kicking and also carrying the ball. These rules were exclusively prohibited as per the Cambridge rules.
            The history of modern-day soccer was established in 1863. In October 1863, eleven representatives from London clubs and schools met at the Freemason’s Tavern to set up common fundamental rules to control the matches amongst themselves. The outcome of this meeting was the formation of the Football Association. In December 1863, the Rugby Football and Association football finally split as the supporters of the Rugby School rules walked out.
            Firmly establishing the foundation of soccer in 1869, the Football Association strictly banned any king of handling of the ball. Soccer’s popularity spread rapidly during the 1800s as British sailors, traders and soldiers introduced the sport to different parts of the globe.
            Italians, Austrians and Germans drew to Europe, while Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil adopted the sport in South America. FIFA was established in the year 1904 and by early 1930s, different leagues were operating from various countries. FIFA is credited with organizing the first world cup in Uruguay. The history of soccer is rich with events, development and its growing craze all over the world. You will find yourself amazed as you learn about different times of this wonderful sport that has held our awe and admiration for over 3000 years.

History of Soccer in Nigeria
            Since the 1945 introduction of the Nigerian Football Federation, the West African nation has become a top soccer contender on the international stage. Nigeria, under British control for centuries, has played in the World Cup and Olympics, and held its own professional national championships since gaining full independence in 1960.


Early Sports
            Although sports have been an integral part of Nigerian society for centuries, they were little more than leisure activities. Prior to 1963, few athletes made an international impact, especially in football. According to Online Nigeria, the National Sports Commission was founded to lay the foundation for all sporting event organization in Nigeria. Though the Nigerian Football Federation already was a governing body, football in Nigeria was still confined to the African boundaries, rarely making appearances outside the continent. Championships were played among rival clubs from Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Calabar.

The Challenge Cup
            Nigeria began participating in Africa’s Challenge Cup in the 1960s. The Cup was originally named the Governor’s Cup by the British. The Challenge Cup fueled Nigeria’s desire to play in the World Cup, though the team was unsuccessful in qualification matches. But Nigeria qualified for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. It produced widespread national interest, along with more emphasis on Nigerian soccer. In 1972, the Nigerian National League was born, beginning with five teams and growing to 12 by 1978.
What Soccer Balls made of?
            The diameters of soccer ball is 14 to 16cm, the weight is 125
The surfaces of the balls that are used in soccer are normally made from synthetic leather since it does not absorb water. The covering is then lined with polyester or cotton blend to provide structural strength and fitted with a bladder in which the air is held.
Q&A Related to “What is a Soccer Ball made out of”
            Soccer balls (or footballs as they’re known as in United Kingdom) tend to be made of a number of components – synthetic leather on the outside, with polyester/cotton lining being, the have size four and size five of soccer ball.
            Outside the Ball: Covers and Layers First, the outer cover of the ball is made. The outer cover of professional use, outdoor competition-grade soccer balls are made from synthetic.
            A soccer ball has four parts: a bladder, lining, cover, and stitching. First, the material for the cover is cut and is glued to the foam lining. The ball is then stitched inside.

What Soccer or football is all about
            The sport of soccer (called football in most of the world) is considered to be the world’s most popular sport. In soccer there are two teams of eleven players. Soccer is played on a large grass field with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to get the soccer ball into the opposing team’s goal. The key to soccer is that, with the exception of the goalie, players cannot touch the ball with their hands, they can only kick, knee, or head the ball to advance it or score a goal.

            Soccer is played at all levels throughout the world from small kids leagues to professional and international teams. Perhaps the most famous soccer tournament is the World Cup. Held every four years, the World Cup is a soccer competition among countries and is one of the most watched events in the world.
            One of the reasons soccer is so popular is that it really only takes a ball and a flat open area to play. Kids throughout the world will make up fields and goals just about anywhere and start playing the game. The game is also fun and competitive.
            Soccer is a great form of exercise as there is lots of running for good distances. The sport is also a good test of dexterity and a great way to learn balance.
EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY,            Many people consider soccer at its highest level to be so beautiful as to be practically an art form. The skill at which great players and great soccer teams work the ball, strategize, and flow as one can be an awesome thing to watch.

DEPT:           HUMAN KINETICS AND HEALTH                                                                  EDUCATION
FACULTY:        EDUCATION
COURSE CODE:    HKE 221
COURSE TITLE:   SKILL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

HISTORY OF SOCCER IN NIGERIA, WHAT SOCCER BALL IS MADE OF, WHAT IS FOOTBALL SOCCER?

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