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The global game of soccer that we know and love today is far removed from its very humble beginnings. Today, it is the most popular sport in the world with crowds of up to 100,000 at a game and millions following the matches on TV.

It is difficult to trace exactly where and when soccer was first played as games that involved kicking a ball have been part of history throughout the ages. We can be fairly certain however that the origins of the game that we know today came from England where a form of soccer was played in the 8th century.

Soccer gained in popularity over the centuries but, as with most sports, there were precious few leagues and recorded rules. Finally, in the mid 19th century, the game became more organised and in 1848, the Cambridge Rules were first drawn up at Cambridge University in England. By now, some of the historic soccer clubs were starting to emerge and, in 1863, the official Football Association was formed.

Over the years that followed, leagues began to develop all over the world as the game began to spread and organised leagues were formed in many countries as the popularity of the sport started to increase.

In 1872, another major landmark was reached when the first FA Cup final was held in England between Wanderers and the Royal Engineers. The Wanderers triumphed by one goal to nil at the Kennington Oval and this world famous competition was born. In 1923 the FA Cup final moved to Wembley where Bolton beat West Ham by two goals to nil. The game was made famous by an over-capacity crowd that streamed on to the pitch and mounted policemen including one on a distinctive white horse, were called in to deal with the crowd.

By now, soccer was being played all over the world and great strides were being made outside of the UK. In 1930, the first official world cup was held in Uruguay. Thirteen countries from South America and Europe took part in this inaugural tournament which was eventually won by the home nation who beat Argentina by four goals to two in the final.

The world cup has been staged every four years since, with a break between 1938 and 1950 owing to World War II. From just thirteen competing teams in 1938, the finals now host 32 countries all vying for the trophy.

The World Cup is the pinnacle of soccer in the 21st century but there are world class tournaments and leagues across the globe. In Europe, the Champions League showcases some of the best talent around, while there are equivalent tournaments elsewhere in the world with equally dramatic action.

The World Cup is complemented by the European Championships, Copa America and the Asian Cup. The Olympics too plays host to some great soccer so the spectator is never short of some great games and some memorable tournaments.

Football(Soccer) has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Loved all over the world, the quality gets better every year and with television beaming more games into our homes, bringing their TV soccer pundits offering football tips, the sport can only keep growing in popularity.

For more information on Soccer refer to All about Soccer