Soccer is a sport that we have all watched at some point in our lives. For some, it may have been in passing, featured in a movie or a conscious decision due to a love and passion for the game. Additionally, playing a quick game of football is something that most children play on the playground, often leading to a lifelong passion.

All of this aside, the game remains popular and is watched by audiences worldwide. It’s a global phenomenon for a reason, but how much do you really know about it.

11 Interesting Football Facts

1. It is the world’s most popular sport
2. 250 million people play it in over 200 countries
3. The game dates back almost 3000 years, although the exact age of the game is unknown.
4. The first balls were made of rubble enclosed in pieces of clothing that had been sewn together. This then evolved to inflated pigs’ bladders before settling on the latex and butyl bladders covered in leather that we use today.
5. While women started playing soccer at the same time as the men, women’s football only became popular in the 1990s.
6. Players are able to take so many shots during the game, this can include full volley, side volley, flying volley half volley, instep drive, knuckle shot, or swerve shot.
7. The team is made up of 11 players, this includes Wingback, Sweeper, Centre-back, Fullback, Attacking midfielder, Striker, Forward, Centre-midfielder, and Defensive midfielder.
8. Football is played on an open field known as a pitch. It must be a rectangle, 100 and 130 yards long and 50 to 100 yards wide according to the regulations.
9. The oldest club in history is Sheffield FC. The club was first established in 1857 and has been changing the world of football ever since.
10. Football needs to be played on grass for it to be recognised by FIFA. This is why Greenland has no recognised teams – they are unable to train on grassy fields and therefore unrecognised.
11. Mother Nature isn’t always a fan of the game, so be sure to check the weather beforehand. A football match in the Congo suffered her wrath once, with a lightning strike taking out an entire team. 11 players from the Bena Tshadi team were killed and some believe it was as a result of witchcraft.
12. Football changes lives, more than just the lives of the players. In 2006, Germany hosted the FIFA World Cup, and nine months later, they experienced a 30% baby boom.

While the game may be over 3000 years old – exact age remains a mystery – football continues to grow and evolve. As the world changes and online casino gambling in Canada does too, so will the game. This means that with every match or tournament, the opportunity exists for things to change.