Soccer's origin is unclear, because games similar to it were played around the world in ancient times. Most historians agree, however, that a game much like modern soccer was first played in Derby, England, around, 217 A.D., when Romans were in the country. The Romans probably passed along a game that they had started in earlier years. In England, the game became known as football. For centuries, football continued to be popular. The ball could be used only with the feet, the torso, or the head. Hands couldn't be used.
Then in 1823, another game was invented, which was later called Rugby. The rules in Rugby were different. Players could use their hands to throw and catch the ball. The London Football Association was formed in protest against the way the players of rugby carried the ball. Association members wanted to continue playing with the original rules of the game. The association called the original version of football "association football" to separate it from rugby. The name was shortened to "assoc", which was later changed to "soccer" although the English continued to use the name football.
Today soccer is a very popular sport. There are leagues all over the world. Soccer can be played at a very young age. It is a fun, but physical sport.