Football, also known as soccer in some parts of the world, is one of the most popular sports globally, with millions of fans cheering for their favorite teams every week. However, not many people know the intriguing roots of how football came to be known as soccer in certain countries.
The term “soccer” actually originated in England in the 19th century. In the mid-19th century, a group of British universities founded a set of standardized rules for the sport of football, known as the Cambridge Rules. These rules were later adopted by the newly-formed Football Association in 1863, which marked the beginning of modern football as we know it today.
At that time, the sport of football was still relatively new, and people used different terms to refer to it, such as “football”, “association football”, or simply “soccer.” However, the term “football” was already popularly used to refer to another sport that involved more physical play and was closer to rugby.
In order to distinguish between the two sports, the term “soccer” was used to refer specifically to association football. The word “soccer” was actually a colloquial abbreviation of “Association Football,” with the “-er” suffix added for brevity.
Over time, the term “soccer” became widely used in England and other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, as football continued to grow in popularity worldwide, the term “soccer” gradually fell out of favor in the United Kingdom and Europe, where the sport became known as football.
Today, the term “soccer” is primarily used in North America, Australia, and other countries where football is not the dominant sport. While some people may view the term “soccer” as inferior or less authentic compared to “football,” it’s essential to understand the historical context behind the origins of the term and how it came to be used in certain regions.
In conclusion, the roots of why football used to be called soccer are rooted in history and the need to differentiate between two similar sports. While the term “soccer” may not be as widely used as “football” in certain parts of the world, it remains a fascinating reminder of the sport’s rich and diverse history. Whether you call it football or soccer, there’s no denying the universal love and passion that fans have for the beautiful game.