Football Facts for Kids – Learn All About Football

Introduction

You probably didn’t know that the first footballs were made from animal bladders! Football is a sport that is played all over the world by millions of people but there are variations as one word “football” can mean two different games, soccer or American football. Keep reading to learn interesting facts about football for kids.

What Is Football? 

There are various types of football like:

1. Association Football, which is known as soccer in some parts of the world. In this sport two teams compete against one another in kicking the ball into the opposite team’s goal post. The origin of the sport is from Ancient China, it was referred to as Cuju. The modern version of soccer was born in England during the 19th century.

1. American Football the sport developed from a combination of soccer and rugby, but it gradually incorporated new rules that fundamentally changed how the game was played. Players carry the ball (rugby) in their hands and they can throw it using their hands unlike soccer.

History & Origin of Football

The origin of football dates back to Ancient China where this game was referred to as “Cuju”, in which the player would kick a ball towards a target. Eventually this game evolved and other societies are said to adapt and develop skills and strategies in the process.

The Birth of Modern Soccer comes from The Football Association that was created in 1863, in England. The association officially created rules and regulations for this sport and established the frameworks for the modern version of the game. 

The Birth of American Football comes from the first college football game which was between Rutgers vs Princeton, in 1869. The rules were more like soccer and eventually changes were made by Walter Camp (line of scrimmage, downs, etc.). 

Soccer Vs American Football

Rules & How Football Works

Soccer / Association Football Basic Rules:

• Soccer Field layout is a rectangular area which has marked boundaries 
• Goal posts are positioned on the opposite ends of the fields 
• Penalty area is the area in front of the goal posts of both teams
• Offside rule prevents players from camping near the opposing goal and requires strategic positioning and coordinated play.
• There are two halves of the game, each 45 minutes long, for a total of 90 minutes.

American Football Basic Rules

• American Football fields are typically 100 yards long with end zones where touchdowns are scored. 
• Goalposts stand at the end zones for field goal attempts
• The game is divided into 4 quarters that are 15 minutes long 

Famous Players & Legends

Male Soccer Legends

• Edson Arantes do Nascimento (famously known as Pelé)
• Diego Maradona
• Lionel Messi
• Cristiano Ronaldo, etc.

Female Soccer Legends:

• Marta Vieira da Silva (famously known as Marta)
• Alex Morgan
• Megan Rapinoe, etc. 

American Football Legends:

• Tom Brady
• Jerry Rice
• Walter Payton
• Jim Brown

Fun Records and Facts About Football

• The Fastest goal ever scored in soccer was made in 2.1 seconds 
• Did you know the biggest margin of victory was 149–0 
• The Most World Cup wins is by Brazil
• Did you know The World Cup started in 1930?
• The longest football game lasted for 35 hours!
• There are 11 players in a Soccer game
• Mario Zagallo is the only man to win four World Cups (as a player & a coach)

Global Tournaments in Football

FIFA World Cup & Continental Cups are a huge deal in football. The World Cup is held every 4 years and it brings together teams from all over the world. The FIFA season is very important as it has a huge cultural impact on people and everyone unites together for the love of football! While events like the Super Bowl represent American culture and football’s place in it. This sport acts as an opportunity for social unity and great economic benefit.

How Kids Can Play & Practice Football

Kids can start learning football through the process of:

1. Learning basic drills
2. Learning how to pass (for Soccer)
3. Learning how catch and kick the ball (for American football)
4. Watch football matches to learn from professional players
5. Join school or community football teams or leagues 

These activities should be performed in an open area, where trusted adults are around in case of any emergencies!

Conclusion

Football is not just a game or sport, it’s something rich in history and has a lot of value all over the globe. Children should try to play and learn sports like football, because it’s good for their health and physical fitness. Kids can also learn tricks through passing and kicking that can be very entertaining. 

External Links 

Jobs in Football – The Top 10 Fastest Goals In Soccer History

Wikipedia – AS Adema 149–0 SO l’Emyrne