The Round Leather Game

 According to wikipedia, football refers to a number of sports that involve in varying degrees, kicking a ball with the foot to score a goal. In this case, I am talking about soccer. Soccer is a sport with two teams participating on either side of the pitch – ten on-field players and a goalkeeper. Just as every other sport, it is basically entertainment. However, in making the entertainment more fruitful, there are various competitions participated by different teams. These competitions vary from national teams to football clubs. It must be said that the national team competitions are superior to club competitions. To this effect, the most prestigious football competition is the world cup organised by the world’s governing body, Federation International de Football Association (FIFA).

Football is about the most popular sport in the world owing to its numerous fan base. The history of football is as old as time itself. Different federations and nations have all come with their own history of this wonderful sport but England is known to be the originator of modern football dating back to the 18^th century. With time, violence and other archaic practices were swept out by stiff officiating by the referees and governing bodies. Also, playing kits like jerseys and boots have improved tremendously to suit the round leather game. Soon, technology will be given more leverage in the game.

Talking about facilities, football is played on the pitch. The pitches vary in sizes. However, there is a minimum and maximum measurement. The standard size is 105 metres by 68 metres (115 yards by 74 yards) with an area of 7140 square metres (1.76 acres). The standard goal post measures 7.32 metres (8 yards) wide and 2.44 metres (8 feet) above the ground with a cross bar and a net to hold the ball in the case of a goal. Goal, goal kick, corner kick, and throw in are appropriately done throough the referee's decision whenever the ball goes off the measured pitch.

As earlier mentioned, it is played by two teams with 11 players each. Each of these players has their peculiar role which categorically falls under defence, midfield or attack not leaving out the goalkeeper. The ultimate aim of every team is to outscore their opponent with the responsibility of scoring falling primarily on the strikers. However, football is a team game, so, attacking and defending is the responsibility of all. It should be noted that a goal is scored when the ball crosses the line completely.

Footballing is beneficial to the players (primary participants), nations, clubs, administrators, fans/spectators, kit making companies and more. It brings the following to the table: entertainment, promotes our spiritual civilization, promotes psychological and moral character, promotes integration across races, cultures, political and geographical boundaries, it  helps reflect our national spirit, it is beneficial to our international coordination, job opportunities, it crystallizes  human civilization in modern societies among others.

As beautiful as the game is, it has its downsides. Some of which are: mismanagement of competition by teams and fans, controversial officiating by officials sometimes due to human imperfection, racism, lack of funds, adequate facilities/equipments.

For every challenge, there is a prevention or solution. Some possible preventions and solutions to the above are: infusing spirit of sportsmanship through good orientation by the media - preaching football as an entertaining and a unifying sport rather than a damaging competition, adequate training for the officials to minimize controversy, sponsoring of players by the government and able companies. Be it as it may, controversy is part of the game. Its complete eradication is like having a world without challenges. It leaves fans with nothing to talk about. Advisably, all football lovers should accept this and inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship, however, the outcome.


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