Association football Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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association football
[əˌsoʊ.siˈeɪ.ʃən ˈfʊtˌbɔl ]
Definition
popular sport
Association football, commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played with a spherical ball between two teams of eleven players. It is widely considered the most popular sport in the world, with millions of fans and players globally. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team's goal, using any part of the body except the hands and arms.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
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| association football |
This term is rarely used in everyday language and is primarily used in formal or legal contexts to distinguish football from other types of football games.
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| soccer |
In North America, 'soccer' is the term used to distinguish association football from American football. It is used in both formal and informal settings.
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| football |
In most of the world, especially in Europe, Africa, and Asia, 'football' is the common term for the sport. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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| footy |
Commonly used in Australia and New Zealand, 'footy' is an informal term that refers to Australian Rules Football or rugby. However, it can also refer to association football in a casual context.
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Examples of usage
- Association football is played in over 200 countries worldwide.
- The World Cup is the pinnacle of international association football competitions.
- Many children dream of becoming professional association football players.
- In association football, the referee enforces the rules of the game.
- The English Premier League is one of the most prestigious association football leagues in the world.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'association football' was created in the late 19th century to differentiate it from other forms of football like rugby.
- The Football Association (FA), formed in England in 1863, was the first governing body for the sport, creating its first standardized rules.
- The first official soccer match under these rules took place in 1863 in London.
Global Popularity
- Over 250 million players around the world participate in association football, making it the most popular sport globally.
- The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, is the most-watched sporting event, with over 3.5 billion people tuning in during the last tournament.
- In many countries, football serves as a major cultural touchstone, embodying national pride and community identity.
Cultural Impact
- Famous players like Pelé and Diego Maradona have transformed into global icons, inspiring millions and revolutionizing the sport.
- Football clubs, such as Manchester United and FC Barcelona, have massive followings and contribute significantly to their local economies.
- Films, literature, and music often celebrate the sport, showcasing its deep ties to culture and identity.
Rules and Gameplay
- The game is played on a rectangular field, with a goal at each end, featuring 11 players per team, including a goalkeeper.
- A match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, and initiated with a kick-off at the center of the field.
- Offside rules prevent players from hanging near the opponent's goal, encouraging teamwork and strategic plays.
Science of the Game
- The physics of kicking a football involves concepts like force, trajectory, and spin, impacting how the ball moves.
- Studies show that teamwork in sports can significantly improve social skills and cognitive development in young players.
- Research highlights the psychological benefits of regularly playing football, such as increased self-esteem and stress relief.
Origin of 'association football'
The term 'association football' originated in England, where the sport evolved from various forms of football played in the mid-19th century. The word 'association' was added to distinguish it from other codes of football, such as rugby football. The rules of association football were codified in the 1860s, leading to the establishment of the Football Association in 1863. The sport spread rapidly across the globe, becoming a beloved pastime for millions of people of all ages.