The Development of Football in the period 1850 to 1945 and Major Issues in Modern Sport

Cyril Potter College of Education

Name: Tamesh Shewprashad

Course Name: History and Growth for Physical Education and Sport

Course Number: PPE 111

Lecturer: Ms. Taneka Calderia

Due Date: October 27, 2023

The Development of Football during the period 1850- 1945

Football, also known as soccer, has a wealthy history, in the period from 1850 to 1945, the

sport went through significant developments. It started as a casual game played by British

schoolboys, and gradually organized rules were established. The Football Association was

formed in 1863, which standardized the game and introduced the concept of a referee. In the late

19th century, professional football clubs started to make an appearance like; Manchester United,

which was founded in 1878, and Arsenal, founded in 1886. There's also FC Barcelona, founded

in 1899, and Bayern Munich, founded in 1900. The sport faced challenges during World War I,

but it continued to grow. The introduction of tactics and strategies, such as the "WM" formation,

revolutionized the game. The sport faced challenges during World War I, but it continued to

grow. The introduction of tactics and strategies, such as the "WM" formation, The WM

formation, which was a tactical innovation in football, emerged around the 1920s. It was

developed by a man by the name Herbert Chapman, a renowned manager of the time. The

formation consisted of three defenders, two wing-halves, three inside-forwards, and two center-

forwards.

This formation revolutionized the game by providing a solid defensive structure while

maintaining attacking options. By the end of World War II in 1945, football had become a global

phenomenon, with international tournaments like the World Cup gaining prominence. One major

development to this sport during this period is introducing FIFA , FIFA, or the Federation

International de Football Association, is an international governing body for the sport of football.

It was established in 1904 with the aim of overseeing and promoting the development of football

worldwide. FIFA's formation came about when representatives from several European football

associations came together to create a unified organization. FIFA has also been instrumental in
establishing rules and regulations for the game, ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity

of football. They work to promote the growth of the sport, supporting grassroots initiatives and

providing resources for football development programs around the world.

Major issues related to the development of Modern Sports

During the period from 1850-1945, significant changes were happening in society, and these

changes had an impact on sports. Let's start with race. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries,

racial segregation and discrimination were prevalent in many parts of the world, including in

sports. African Americans and other minority groups faced exclusion and limited opportunities

to participate in mainstream sports. Race in modern sport has been a complex and evolving issue.

While progress has been made in promoting racial equality and inclusivity in sports, challenges

and inequalities still persist. Acceptance of race in modern sport has varied across different

regions and sports. In some cases, racial acceptance in sport has been a result of the efforts of

trailblazing athletes who broke down barriers and challenged discriminatory practices. For

example, athletes like Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics, played a

significant role in challenging racial stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of

athletes. However, it's important to acknowledge that racial acceptance in sport has not been

universal or without resistance. Discrimination and prejudice have persisted, with racial biases

impacting opportunities, representation, and treatment of athletes of color. Instances of racial

abuse and unequal treatment continue to be a concern in some sports. Efforts to promote racial

acceptance in modern sport have involved various stakeholders, including sports organizations,

athletes, fans, and advocacy groups. Initiatives such as diversity and inclusion programs, anti-

discrimination policies, and campaigns against racism have been implemented to address these

issues.

Moving on to class, sports have historically been influenced by social class divisions. In the

19th century, sports were primarily associated with the upper class, who had the time, resources,

and access to participate. Working-class individuals often had limited opportunities to engage in
organized sports due to economic constraints. However, as societies became more industrialized

and the middle class grew, sports became more accessible to a wider range of people. The rise of

organized sports clubs, community leagues, and school programs provided opportunities for

individuals from different social classes to participate and compete in sports.

Now, let's talk about gender. In the past, women faced significant barriers in participating in

sports. They were often discouraged from engaging in physical activities and were limited to

certain sports considered more "suitable" for women, such as tennis or gymnastics. Women's

sports were often marginalized and received less recognition and support compared to men's

sports. However, over time, women's participation in sports has grown, and there have been

notable advancements in gender equality. The establishments of women’s sports organizations

like the Women's Tennis Association and the Women's World Cup in football, has provided

platforms for female athletes to showcase their skills and talents. Today, we see more gender-

inclusive sports programs and a greater emphasis on promoting equality in sports.

Ways on How these issues were Solved

To address and solve the issues surrounding race in sport, various approaches have been taken:

1. Education and Awareness: Promoting education and awareness about the history of racial

discrimination in sport is crucial. This includes highlighting the achievements and

contributions of athletes from diverse backgrounds and raising awareness about the

challenges they face.

2. Anti-Discrimination Policies: Implementing and enforcing anti-discrimination policies within

sports organizations helps combat racial bias and ensures fair treatment for all athletes. These

policies aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for athletes of all races.

3. Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Developing programs that actively promote diversity and

inclusion in sports can help address racial disparities. These programs focus on providing

equal opportunities, representation, and support for athletes from underrepresented

communities.

4. Athlete Activism: Athletes using their platforms to speak out against racial injustice and

advocate for equality has been impactful. Their activism helps raise awareness, spark

conversations, and push for change within the sports industry.

5. Fan Engagement and Education: Engaging fans in conversations about racial equality and

promoting inclusivity can contribute to a more accepting sports culture. Educating fans about

the importance of diversity and challenging discriminatory behavior can help create a

supportive environment for athletes of all races.

The issue of gender in sport has seen significant progress over the years, but challenges and

inequalities still exist. Efforts have been made to address these issues and promote gender

equality in sports. Here are some ways in which progress has been made:

1. Increased Opportunities: There has been a push to provide more opportunities for women in

sports, including the expansion of women's leagues and competitions. This allows female

athletes to showcase their skills and compete at higher levels.

2. Equal Pay: Advocacy for equal pay has gained momentum, with more attention being given

to closing the gender pay gap in sports. Athletes and organizations have been advocating for

fair compensation for female athletes, mirroring the achievements and contributions of their

male counterparts.

3. Representation and Visibility: Efforts have been made to increase the representation and

visibility of women in sports. This includes media coverage, sponsorships, and

endorsements, which help promote female athletes and their achievements to a wider

audience.
The issue of class in sport is complex and ongoing, but efforts have been made to address it.

Some of these efforts are:

1. Accessible Programs: Initiatives have been implemented to provide sports programs and

facilities that are affordable and accessible to individuals from lower-income backgrounds. This

helps bridge the gap and ensure that financial limitations do not hinder participation.

2. Scholarships and Sponsorships: Scholarships and sponsorships are offered to talented athletes

from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to pursue their sporting

dreams without financial constraints.

3. Grants and Funding: Grants and funding opportunities are available to support athletes from

lower-income backgrounds, helping cover training expenses, equipment costs, and travel

expenses for competitions.

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