Football – Then and now

Football is one of the most widely played and oldest games in existence. The ancient Chinese, Greeks and Romans played something very similar to Football long before the English Kings in the 1300s and 1400s tried to outlaw what they described as a violent sport.

In modern terms, Football began when the Football Association of England was founded in 1863. The game was spread throughout the world by English sailors who used to play it wherever they went.

How to play – and win

Football is played on an outdoor grass pitch by two teams of 11 players.

The aim of the game is to score a goal by putting the ball in the other team’s net. The team that scores the most goals wins.

Only the goalkeepers on each team are allowed to touch the ball with their hands. The other players use their feet, head and body to move it around the pitch.

Matches are played over 90 minutes – two 45-minute halves.

Football in the Games

Men’s Football was a demonstration event at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens 1896.

It became a full medal sport from London 1908. At Barcelona 1992, professional players were allowed to take part in the Games for the first time. The rules were changed to make it an Under-23 event, with three players over this age allowed in every team.

Women’s Football has no age limits and appeared at the Games for the first time in Atlanta 1996.

Facts about the Games

• Hungary has won three Football gold medals - more than any other country.
• Great Britain won the first Olympic Football gold medal at the London 1908 Olympic Games.
• Despite its successes in the FIFA World Cup, Brazil has never won an Olympic gold medal in Football.
• The only time a replay was needed to decide a Football final at the Games was in Amsterdam 1928. Uruguay beat Argentina 2-1 in the decider.
• The only time a gold-medal match has been decided on penalties was in Sydney 2000, when Cameroon won.

Jargon buster

• Foul: Any illegal interference with a player on the other team, such as kicking, pushing, shoving, tripping and dangerous or aggressive play.
• Own goal: A goal scored for the other team when a player accidentally puts the ball into his or her team's goal.
• Striker: An attacking player whose main job is to try to score goals.

Get involved

Wherever you live in the United Kingdom, you can be sure there’s a Football club or coaching scheme in your area. To find out more about local leagues and development programmes, see 'related websites'.