Despite it feeling like a crime to refer to football as soccer in the UK, it was the British themselves who coined the term. Back in the 1800s, British universities created their own versions of 'football' with varying sets of rules. But to standardise the game across the country, these versions started to be categorised under different names. The variant played predominantly with hands became rugby football (cue the creation of rugby as we know it today!), while another variation was affectionately referred to as association football. During this time, British schools and universities had a charming trend of abbreviating words by adding the "-er" suffix. That's when "association football" was transformed into "soccer."
Once these two sports spread across the ocean, North Americans developed their own variants. Notably, the term soccer stuck for what was known as association football, while their variant of the British-known gridiron led to the birth of what many know today as NFL-style football.
As soccer continued to gain popularity across the globe, the term "football" took precedence in many countries, while "soccer" remained the preferred term in the United States, Canada, and Australia, setting it apart from other football codes. But no matter the name, the essence of the sport remains constant—a beautiful game that unites people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the words Soccer and Football were nearly interchangeable in Britain till around 1960-80 when the word soccer started to decline despite hit TV shows like Soccer Saturdays and Soccer A.M.?
For parents, understanding the history and origins of soccer/football can deepen the connection with their young footballers and instil a sense of tradition and love for the game. As fans, it allows us to appreciate the time-honoured legacy of the sport and recognize the shared passion that transcends borders and languages.
So, the next time you cheer on your favourite football or soccer team, remember the rich history behind the game and the joy that it brings to millions around the world.
Share this delightful tale with your young football fans and inspire them to cherish every moment on the pitch as part of a global community united by the love of football!
