Origins of Football
Both American football and soccer trace their origins to medieval England, where early versions of the game were played.
Etymology and Early Forms
The term "football" combines "foot" and "ball," historically referring to games played on foot or involving kicking a ball. Historical evidence indicates its use in Middle English, with the earliest written record appearing in 1409 as "foteballe." Early balls were typically inflated animal bladders or made from woven reed.
Medieval British games were largely unregulated, often involving dozens of players and a basic objective of kicking the ball into a goal.
These early matches were characterized by significant violence, with historical records detailing injuries and property damage. Royal proclamations from King Edward in the 14th century warned against the sport's dangers and its distraction during wartime.
Evolution and Formalization
The game was introduced to New England by English settlers. In England, formal rules began to emerge with the establishment of the Football Association in 1863 and the Rugby Football Union in 1871. These bodies distinguished between what became known as football (soccer), which involves kicking a round ball, and rugby, which involves handling an oval ball. The term "soccer" itself is derived from "association."
In the U.S., various versions of football were adopted by colleges and universities.
The first intercollegiate game, played between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869, resembled modern soccer more than American football.
Over the next seven years, the game underwent significant changes. Representatives from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia convened at the Massasoit Convention in 1876 to establish the initial rules for American football.
Retention of the Name
The name "football" remained for the American game, even though foot usage became rare.
This is attributed to the belief among the game's creators that they were still playing a modified version of football, thus seeing no need to alter its name.