Hello everyone! And Happy World Cup month! I don’t know about you, but I love any activity that brings so many of the world’s countries together in pursuit of a common goal. And, soccer certainly is one of those activities.
But, do you know the history of this sport? Apparently some historians believe that the game of soccer began in Japan around 1004 BC. At that time the people would simply kick and chase a ball around a large field. There also is evidence that a game very much like soccer was played in China during the Han Dynasty of the second and third centuries AD. Indeed, a Chinese-based text located in the Munich Ethnological Museum documents a soccer-like game — using a hair-filled leather ball — was played between Chinese and Japanese teams around 50 BC.
The game then spread from the Asian continent to ancient Rome and the rest of the European continent. Gaining in popularity, however, it also gained a reputation for being violent and noisy! Indeed, during Medieval times in England King Edward I declared that soccer caused too much chaos and anyone caught playing the game was imprisoned! Similarly, throughout the reins of King Henry IV, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I laws were enacted that outlawed the sport in England — laws that imprisoned players and required them to seek penance through acts in the Church! In fact, the game of soccer was not sanctioned as a lawful activity in England until the early 1680s.
Despite its rocky beginnings, however, this sport has nevertheless become one of — if not the most — popular activities the world over. It’s exciting, demanding, challenging and healthy! Indeed, playing soccer can help prevent cancer! According to the British Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, regular exercise through soccer play can reduce the occurrence of colon cancer by 300 percent. Wow! And, it may decrease one’s risk for breast, endometrial and lung cancer as well.
So, if you’re not actually playing soccer at the moment — but like me are watching it on television — at least get up off the couch and cheer for your favorite team! Jump up and down. Wave your arms. Run around the room. For we all know the importance of exercise in our battle to prevent cancer. And even a little activity is better than none. So, stay active during this year’s World Cup. Have fun! And may the best team win!
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
Learn more at:
Historyof Sports.com and Livestrong.com.
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