Children Children's Football: Interesting Facts & Ideas facts and ideas

• Records show that Ancient Greeks and Romans played many ball games, some of which involved the use of the feet.
• Kick Ball (played in China from as early as the 3rd century BC) originally involved kicking a leather ball through a small hole in a piece of silk cloth which was fixed to canes and hung about 9 m above the ground. Variations of this game later spread to Japan and Korea and another type of goal emerged, just one goal post in the middle of the field!
• Early forms of football played in England were played between neighbouring towns and villages. The ‘ball’ was often an animal bladder which had been inflated and the aim of the game was to move this to an agreed point – for example, the opposing team’s village green or church. Due to the huge, and usually unlimited, number of players, and the lack of rules, these games became known as "mob football". They were often played during religious festivals and a few still continue the tradition, e.g. Ashbourne in Derbyshire and Atherstone in Warwickshire.
• Britain’s "public" schools were important in taking football away from its "mob" form and turning it into an organised team sport. They also created rules so that football matches could be played against other schools.
• Sports clubs dedicated to playing football began in the 18th century.
• Football is played by two teams of 11 players on a pitch with a goal at either end.
• The aim is to score goals by kicking or heading the ball past the goalkeeper who may use his/her hands to try to block a goal. If both teams score the same number of goals there may be a penalty shoot-out or extra time played.
• There are usually a referee and two assistant referees to ensure fair play.
• The largest football made from artificial leather measures 8 m (26 ft. 3 in) in diameter and was made in Mexico in 2006.

What should you be thinking about to help you choose the right football coach or club for your child?

• What is your child’s interest in football coaching? Are you looking for fun? Social development? General fitness? Will this class meet the needs of your child?
• Are there any specific clothes they need to wear? Do you need to buy football boots straight away or can they wear existing trainers until they have decided whether or not to continue?
• Will your child get to play regular games and have a good learning environment to develop his or her skills?

The FA is the governing body of football in England.

The Football Association of Wales.

The Scottish Football Association.

The (Northern) Irish Football Association.

Qualifications of tutors/coaches etc

• Balance
• Coordination
• Strength
• Physical Fitness
• Gross Motor Skills
• Stamina
• Self Confidence
• Agility

As well as helping fitness, increasing metabolism and other general health benefits gained from any physical activity, playing football can provide the opportunity for your child to practice good sportsmanship, learn to work as part of a team and improve their cooperation with others.

Gordon Ramsay (born November 8, 1966) had a trial with Rangers F.C. but turned to cooking after he seriously injured his knee, smashing the cartilage during training.

Spanish singer Julio Iglesias (born September 23, 1943) achieved a degree in law before becoming a European-football goalkeeper for Real Madrid Castilla! Unfortunately he damaged his spine in a car crash that ended his football career. While he was recovering in hospital a nurse gave him a guitar to keep him occupied which helped him discover his musical talents.

There are of course a whole host of popular music and tv celebs who love football and often take part in charity matches for example Robbie Williams, Vernon Kay, Harry Judd and Jamie Oliver.

Football homework with Isaiah and Elijah!

A Good Club. What the Football Association considers important when looking for a football club for your child.

The Not-So-Beautiful Game. Modern Premier League stars may dive and feign injuries, but in the 16th century more people died playing football than sword-fighting, a historian has discovered. “From what we have read, football seems to have been a violent sport, played in a similar way to American football nowadays but without the protective clothing."