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How Britain Brought Football To The World Book Review

THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER'S OWN.

Reviewed by Wilma Wallace

I’m not the most fanatical football fan in the world, in fact I’m not even the biggest football fan in my own home but his book made an interesting read and is now in the hands of the biggest football fan in the house, which should lead to an interesting conversation and perhaps even a debate once he’s done reading.

The authors Stuart & Philip Laycock have written the book in such a way that you don’t need to have a huge knowledge of football to enjoy it. The book was published in 2022 by the History Press and the authors demonstrate throughout a natural love for football and history. So, sit back, put your feet up and embed yourself in this educational and entertaining trip around the world to see how Britain Brought Football to the World.

As we venture alphabetically from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, we discover the varying ways that football was introduced to these countries and what strikes me is the worldwide language that is football. Somehow the game has a recognised language of its own regardless to the spoken language of the country, the rules and the unspoken language make it globally assessable, which has probably contributed to its success. The authors discovered through their research that Britain’s were responsible for the introduction of football to more than 100 countries across the globe and all this success way before footballing organisations had even been set up.

There are acknowledgments throughout that the introduction of football to some countries was controversial and was spread through the British Empire through colonial administration where racism and exploitation were rife. On the other hand, though it was also spread as a source of entertainment and team building beyond the Empire. With clear indications that the sport was acceptable and played throughout the social class structure. Perhaps this was made easier given that practically anything resembling a ball could be utilised. We have all seen images on the tv or walked past a park where we have not only seen this demonstration of resourcefulness but on holiday children and adults alike participate in a leisurely game regardless of whether they understand one another’s language or not.

The book focuses mainly on men’s football with a brief acknowledgement that the sport is now becoming increasingly popular among women and perhaps that will become a whole other book.

I really think this would make a good read for anyone with an interest in sport, history and even geography. The book is easy reading and could easily be picked up and enjoyed from around the age of 12 onwards. I particularly liked that you don’t need to read it from start to finish and can dip in and out of the countries that hold more interest to you. I was thankful at times for the maps at the beginning of the book to help me work out the location of some of the less known countries and enjoyed the photographs within the book. The index at the back was particularly helpful for referring back to a specific page or country that warranted a second read.

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £15.99

This Product can be purchased from Amazon here.

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