Soccer, otherwise known as simply soccer or Association football, is a well-known team game played between two teams of eleven players each. It is regularly played between national teams and international teams, making it the most popular game in the world. The game was first known as Association Football but was changed due to political pressure when FIFA, the sport’s governing body, was established in FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations) in FIFA (Federation of Association Football Associations) status. Today, soccer is the second most popular sport in the world after American football.
This game is divided into three divisions: professional level (professional soccer), youth (Juvenile football) and college soccer. Professional soccer refers to the games played by teams in professional leagues such as the English Football League, Italian league, French Ligue Football, Spanish LaLiga, Brazilian Juventura, German for Juniors and Turkish Super Cup. Youth level refers to games played by clubs in non-professional leagues such as the United States (collegiate soccer), Canada (NCAA soccer), Mexico (CONMEBOL) and South Korea (Hyundai Samsung Cup) Major League Soccer (MLS). College soccer refers to games between universities and colleges such as the North American Soccer League, European league and Australian rules soccer.
The basic set up of soccer includes three parts. The field is called the playing field. The match is usually played on this field and the goal is either via a single touch pass or via a penalty kick. The goalkeepers are protected by goal nets or by other means such as diving or save position. The opposing team also has seven players in defense consisting of two defenders and three outfielders. There is no limit to the number of players in attack or defense.
The game of soccer; is considered one of the fastest growing sports in the world with an estimated total viewership of more than 600 million people. It originated in Europe but since then, it has spread all over the world and especially in America and South Korea where the majority of soccer fans reside. It has a fan base in all countries because it can be played at any time of the day.
To promote the sport throughout the world; various clubs have been formed. The most famous of these clubs is the United States Soccer team, which is widely considered as one of the favorites to win the World Cup trophy every four years. Each of the different soccer leagues in the US consists of several teams. The National Soccer Hall of Fame is also a place where former soccer greats are inducted. Many US soccer legends earned their titles at the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
The history of soccer can be traced back in one form or another to the 18th century in England. It was known as Association football, which was played between teams. This game had its roots in the middle ages when it was known as Lawn bowls or Squash. The governing body for this game was the English Football Association.