The incredible football is played on every continent and is the most popular sport in the world. It turns out that it is one of the most played and watched sports. Thanks to the dedication of its fans and players, the sport continues to grow. Requiring only a ball and an open space, the activity is accessible to everyone, rich or poor, men or women, sporty or not. Over the years, football has captured the hearts of many people due to its unique history, numerous benefits and notable achievements. Football has proven to be a remarkable sport over the years, starting with its unique history. Football began all over the world thousands of years ago. The Chinese, Japanese, Italians, ancient Greeks, Persians, Vikings, and other nationalities all played some form of football. In China and Rome, games similar to football were played around 200 BC (Helmer and Owens, 5). People believe that football began over a thousand years ago when villagers killed pirates by cutting off their heads and kicking them (Helmer and Owens, 5). As time passed, Europeans also played a game similar to football in medieval times. In fact, football was used to prepare warriors for battle in ancient Greece and Rome (Dilov-Shultheis). Later, the English called this game “Football” because football was played by kicking the ball with the foot (Helmer and Owens, 6). The name "football" appeared when American's Association Football was abbreviated to associ., then to soc. Eventually, in 1895, it was called football (Helmer and Owens, 9). In the late 1700s and 1800s, football was played at many universities, but the rules were not... middle of paper ...... ball and open space, the beloved football will continue in hearts. among many others.Works CitedBuckley, James. Super Women of Football. Chanhassen: Children's World, 2007. About football. Diane Dilov-Shultheis. 2012. April 9, 2014http://www.ehow.com/about_4604801_soccer.html?ref=track2&utm_source=ask.Gifford, Clive. The Kingfisher Football Encyclopedia. Boston: Kingfisher, 2006.Howard, Dale. Football around the world. Canada: Children's Press, 1994. Owens, Thomas and Helmer, Diana Star. Soccer. Brookfield: Twenty-first CenturyBooks, a division of Millbrook Press, 2000. Owens, Thomas and Helmer, Diana Star. The history of football. New York: TheRosen Publishing Groups Power Kids Press, 2000. The Benefits of Football. Sports expert. 2007. April 9, 2014 http://www.sportspundit.com/soccer/articles/14-the-benefits-of-soccer