The 19th Century Origins of Football: From Folk Football to Soccer, Rugby and American Football

Instructor: Jim Craft

Games of football have existed in societies all over the world for thousands of years. The modern game of football we are familiar with evolved from a primitive British folk football game as it passed through the British public school system in the 19th Century. A variety of social, political, economic, religious as well as athletic forces combined to cause these distinct games of football to emerge between roughly 1850 and 1910. These games constitute the origins of modern soccer, rugby and American football. These sports became popular during the early part of the 20th Century. With the fall football season on the horizon, this course is a great way to gain greater appreciation for the game.