The History Of Soccer - 2

The roots of soccer can be traced back to the Han Dynasty in second century China. The game Tsu Chu, or “ kicking a ball ” was included in military physical training. An elaborate game of Tsu Chu was played on the emperor’s birthday. Teams would attempt to kick a feather-filled ball through a small goal that consisted of a net attached to bamboo poles. The stakes were high. Legends say the winners were treated to a feast while the losers were sometimes beheaded.

Kemari was played in Japan dating back to the seventh century. In this circular game, players had to pass the ball to each other without letting it touch the ground, similar in some ways to what we call hacky sack or foot bag. In 16th century Italy, a game called calico was played on holidays. Teams would gather in the city squares of Florence and Venice and compete in this game that involved kicking as well as handling the ball. Each team had 27 players who wore ornate costumes.

A variation of this exercise also existed, where the player was not permitted to aim at his target unimpeded, but had to use his feet, chest, back and shoulders whilst trying to hold the plays of his opponents.