2008 Woodie Awards
From England to America
The differences, diversity and distinguishing qualities of "football" between Great Britain and the United States
Hugh Barry
Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Sports
Originally published: 9/27/07 at 9:54 PM EST
Last update: 9/27/07 at 9:53 PM EST
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Over the years, the game of soccer has grown to be the most popular sport in the world. Different forms of soccer can date all the way back to the 12th century, where Europeans would play different types of games kicking a ball around with their feet. Official rules would eventually be made later on in the 1800s in England.
Although soccer is played in almost over 200 different countries all across the world, it has been known that every country has a different style and cultural background of their sport.
The United States and England are two countries where soccer is played both nationally and professionally but both have very distinct differences in how each country carries themselves and their sport.
Chris Taylor, a freshman on the Plattsburgh State men's soccer team, is a native of Liverpool, England, studying here in the states and learning how to adjust to the American way of soccer.
"Soccer is a lot more different here then back home," Taylor said. "It's a lot more physical back home. They'll tackle you much harder and allow you to get away with more calls. Fouls are called way easier here."
The physical part of the game is not the only thing that makes English and American soccer so different. The slang used in each country is different. They both use different words and have different names for their positions.
One of the main differences that many soccer fans argue is the fact that Americans call the sport soccer, while England and most other countries call it football.
Another big difference between the two is not only the players and coaches, but the fans.
"The fans are much different here but, they are quite good," Taylor said. "They are much louder in England and they will even make up and sing different songs for each player on the field. It seems that the game is played more professionally here but it is much more passionate back home and I kind of miss that".
The scoring in the U.S. is also a bit different then it is in England. Here, Taylor leads the Cards' with an outstanding 14 points, six goals and two assists on the year. Two points is awarded per goal and one point per assists.
Although soccer is played in almost over 200 different countries all across the world, it has been known that every country has a different style and cultural background of their sport.
The United States and England are two countries where soccer is played both nationally and professionally but both have very distinct differences in how each country carries themselves and their sport.
Chris Taylor, a freshman on the Plattsburgh State men's soccer team, is a native of Liverpool, England, studying here in the states and learning how to adjust to the American way of soccer.
"Soccer is a lot more different here then back home," Taylor said. "It's a lot more physical back home. They'll tackle you much harder and allow you to get away with more calls. Fouls are called way easier here."
The physical part of the game is not the only thing that makes English and American soccer so different. The slang used in each country is different. They both use different words and have different names for their positions.
One of the main differences that many soccer fans argue is the fact that Americans call the sport soccer, while England and most other countries call it football.
Another big difference between the two is not only the players and coaches, but the fans.
"The fans are much different here but, they are quite good," Taylor said. "They are much louder in England and they will even make up and sing different songs for each player on the field. It seems that the game is played more professionally here but it is much more passionate back home and I kind of miss that".
The scoring in the U.S. is also a bit different then it is in England. Here, Taylor leads the Cards' with an outstanding 14 points, six goals and two assists on the year. Two points is awarded per goal and one point per assists.
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