Home
Football is a physical demanding activity which involves two teams of players, kicking a ball with the aim of scoring more goals than the opposition in order to win.
The ball is kicked around a specially marked out area or pitch, which contains two sets of goalposts, one at either end of the pitch. Each team contains eleven players, plus several substitutes who can be called upon if a team member is injured. One of these players is assigned the role of stopping the ball from entering their goalmouth called the goalkeeper.
The remaining ten players have a role or position on the field and this falls into one of three areas:
a. defender
b. midfield
c. forward
The ball is kicked or passed by one team, from one end of the field to the other by a series of passing movements. The end result is to try and score in the opposition's goal. The other team attempts to intercept these movements, win the ball and so score for themselves.
This activity takes place in a set period of play called a match which typically lasts 90 minutes. There is a break midway, which is called half time and this happens after 45 minutes have elapsed. Half time lasts for 15 minutes and then play is resumed for the remaining 45 minutes.
There are a set of rules and regulations governing a match which are enforced by three officials, appointed by football's governing body, the Football Association (FA). One of these officials is the referee whose job it is to ensure that the match is played by the rules. He (or recently she) is aided by the other two officials or referees assistants'.
Football takes place in large purpose built stadiums, in front of thousands of people or fans. It arouses very strong feelings of loyalty in many people who form a strong allegiance to their particular team. This tribalism is a strong feature of football which manifests itself in the wearing of a particular team's colours, singing the official songs and attending every match whether at home or away.
Football is also watched by millions via television in various locations around the world and is a highly popular activity for many people. Traditionally, it has been a male dominated sport though that is changing with the creation of women's football teams who also have their own World Cup.
Resources