Fun Facts
Football vs. Soccer
The USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Japan say “soccer” most commonly.
The UK, Mexico, most of Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and most Asian countries say, “Football.”
Fun Fact: Ireland uses BOTH, and Korea calls it “Kickball” in their language!
Cleats vs. Boots
Most countries use the term “boots” to refer to the shoes worn to play soccer.
The USA and Canada use “cleats.”
Fun Fact: Sometimes people call them “spikes!”
Field vs. Pitch
Most countries use the term “pitch” to refer to the space where soccer is played.
The USA and Canada use “field.”
Fun Fact: An indoor playing space is called a futsal court!
Coach vs. Manager
Many countries use “coach” to indicate the person who leads the team, but doesn’t play. Others use the word, “manager.”
Fun Fact: You may hear them called, “gaffer” too!
Game vs. Match
In the UK, Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, people say “Match” to describe a soccer game in which two teams compete.
The USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand more commonly say, “Game.”
Fun Fact: South Africa uses BOTH!
Jersey vs. Kit
Most countries use the term “kit” to refer to the top of a soccer uniform.
The USA and Canada use “jersey.”
Fun Fact: In Ireland and Australia, you may hear it called a “jumper” or “guernsey”!
History of the Game
Did you know that the first ball for playing soccer was a rock??
It’s (kinda) true!
Over 3000 years ago Mesoamerican cultures play, “Tchatali” [Chĭ t/a/ lē], something close to the game. The Chinese stuffed their first soccer balls with grass, feathers, and hair! But, in 1855, Charles Goodyear invented the first modern ball.
Tchatali Goal
The ball had to go up very high and into the small, circular hole.
Cuju
The China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam played this game during the Han dynasty as fitness training for soldiers.
English Football
Modern Soccer started in England in 1830.
Vintage Football
From the 1800s – the mid-1900s balls were stitched similarly to an American football, with laces.
The Black and White Classic
In 1970, the first black-and-white ball was introduced – it was designed to be easier to spot when watching the game on TV!
Soccer Today
Today, soccer is the most popular sport in the world and the game has inspired millions of kids to play. Join the history of this great sport and start your own soccer adventure.
