Football is a family of team sports that primarily involves kicking a ball to score a goal. It includes various forms, such as association football (commonly known as soccer in some regions), American football, Australian rules football, Gaelic football, rugby league, and rugby union. These sports share similar origins and are often called "football codes." They evolved from ancient and medieval games, with many contemporary forms being codified in England during the 19th century. Football's popularity spread globally, primarily through the influence of the British Empire.
The two main classes of football are carrying codes, like American football and rugby, where the ball is moved by hand, and kicking codes, like association football, where handling is restricted. Common features of football include two teams playing on a defined field, scoring goals by moving the ball to an opponent’s goal area, and a set of goalposts or lines for scoring. Players use their bodies to move the ball, and equipment such as bats or sticks is not involved. All codes have rules around passing, tackling, catching, and kicking, with restrictions on player positions and offside play.
The earliest forms of football date back to ancient civilisations, with games like "cuju" in China and "episkyros" in Greece and Rome resembling aspects of modern football. Medieval football in Europe was more chaotic, often played by large groups with fewer rules. The modern version of football started developing in English public schools, where rules were formalised for organised team play.
In 1863, the Football Association (FA) was founded in England to establish a unified set of rules, leading to the development of association football (soccer). Rugby football, which allowed carrying the ball, split into rugby union and rugby league in the late 19th century. American football evolved from rugby, with major changes introduced in the early 20th century, including the forward pass and line of scrimmage.
Football is now a global sport, with millions of players and fans worldwide. Association football is the most popular form globally, while American football dominates in the United States, and Australian rules football is widely played in Australia. Rugby union and rugby league have strong followings in regions such as New Zealand, the UK, and the Pacific Islands.
Football has several types, each with its own set of rules and style of play. These types are often referred to as "codes." Below are the main types of football:
1. Association Football (Soccer)
Association football, commonly known as soccer, is the most widely played type of football globally. It involves two teams of 11 players each, to score goals by kicking a spherical ball into the opponent's goal. Hands are not allowed to be used except by the goalkeeper. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end.
2. American Football
American football, also known simply as football in the United States, involves two teams of 11 players. The game is played on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The main objective is to advance an oval-shaped ball down the field to the opponent's end zone by running with it or passing it. Points are scored through touchdowns, field goals, or safeties. Players are allowed to tackle opponents to stop their progress.
3. Australian Rules Football
Australian rules football, or Aussie Rules, is played on an oval-shaped field with four goalposts at each end. It involves two teams of 18 players who score by kicking the ball between the goalposts. Players can pass the ball by kicking or handballing it and must bounce the ball while running.
4. Gaelic Football
Gaelic football is primarily played in Ireland. Two teams of 15 players compete to score by either kicking or hand-passing the ball into a net for a goal or over the crossbar for a point. The game is played on a rectangular grass field with goals similar to those in rugby.
5. Rugby Union
Rugby union involves two teams of 15 players. The game is played with an oval-shaped ball, and the objective is to score tries by grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area or kicking it between goalposts. Players can run with the ball, kick it, or pass it backwards.
6. Rugby League
Rugby league is a variation of rugby union but is played with 13 players on each team. It also uses an oval ball, and points are scored through tries, goals, and drop goals. The play involves tackles to stop the opposing team from advancing.
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