Football seen by a girl

 

Football has become more and more popular in France since the World Cup 98. In addition, a survey has shown that more and more girls enjoy football. But this sport is still appreciated by men in majority.            

 

Football is a very old sport but official rules dated from the 19th century. Indeed, the first codification was realised in 1846 at the university of Cambridge. We called that the ‘ 17 rules of Cambridge ’.

The first team was created in 1855 and its name was Sheffield Football Club.

The first association was the football Association created in 1863 in London.

The first official match opposed England to Scotland. They separated on the score 0-0.

Football became successful  very quickly in Europe. And British colonists introduced this sport in Africa. But, it wasn’t a great success. 

 

Football is a simple sport. There are two teams opposed, 11 players in each one. You need a ball first and a special equipment: a short, a sweater, shoes with clamps, tibias protection…  The goal is the only player allowed to touch the ball with his hands. The aim is scoring a goal in the opposing camp. There are four referees: one in the middle, two on the touch line and one substitute. There are two half-times of 45 minutes. But, during matches of cup, if it’s nil draw, there are extra times then shots until there is a winner. On the other hand, if it’s a match of championship, the winner gets 3 points, the loser 0 and 1 for a nil match. And, at the end of the season, the winner is the one who get the most points.

They are just examples because the number of competitions is very important.

 

I really enjoy football because I think it’s very interesting. Some people say that football is just 22 players who run after a ball and I think they speak without knowing. In addition, if you are very fond of football, you certainly support a team and you can follow its way all along the season with its wins but also with its defeats.

I am a girl and I enjoy watching matches because I don’t know how to play it. Some people say that I don’t know anything about this sport but, when I speak with them, I sometimes teach them something . So, even football is a men’s sport, girls are as able as men to understand and as well as to play.

Mélanie Larchevêque