The History of Football in 90 seconds... that's
soccer for us Americans! 
The ancient greeks played a game called Episkyros, which the
Romans would steal (much like they did everything)
and call Harpustum. When they invade Britain,
the Romans bring their game with them. In
its Earliest form, football was mob-like and
much more violent. Players also used an inflated
pig's bladder and in at least one recorded
case, a human head. In 1308, Irish records
tell of a spectator at a football game, being
charged with accidentally stabbing a player.
Things get so bad that in 1363, King Edward
III bans cock fighting from the entire country.
The pigs and the chickens rejoice, but people
keep playing in secret. 1613, King James officially
unbans football, urging everyone to play Sunday
after church. In the 1800's, English schools
start establishing official rules, but not
every school agrees. Rugby School wants a
more violent game, where you can pick up the
ball. This evolves into a completely game,
which you can guess the name of. However most
children can't play football, spending six
days a week working in factories and inspiring
Charles Dickens novels. This changes with
the factory act of 1850. Now children can
only have to work from 6am to 6pm. Big difference!
The English start to grow their Empire, bringing
football (and some persecution) around the
world! Football becomes so popular that in
1900, it is added to the Olympics. In 1904,
France, The Federation International De Football is founded. 1930, FIFA holds its first World
Cup in Uruguay, bringing all the nations (on its good side) together in competition. The
World Cup has been played every four years ever since!
