I have been asked to prepare a report compiling information for local clubs on the sports industry locally and nationally. I have decided to select 2 sports (football and tennis)

AS and A Level Physical Education (Sport & Coaching)

IVA Task 5

1 Introduction

I have been asked to prepare a report compiling information for local clubs on the sports industry locally and nationally. I have decided to select 2 sports (football and tennis) that are important to the local and national economy as the focus of my research.

Football

History of football

Ball games were first played in Egypt as early as 1800 BCE. However there are claims that suggest ball games were played even earlier in Ancient China, maybe as early as 2500 BCE. There is evidence to show that ball games in Egypt were linked to fertility rites and religious ceremonies. These ball games involved large numbers of people and records indicate that these games were sometimes used as an exercise to till the soil.

The game of football generally flourished in England from around the 8th Century onwards. The game was incredibly popular with the working classes and there were considerable regional variations of the game throughout the country. Games were normally violent and disorganised affairs with any number of players - it was not uncommon for 1000 people to play in a single game. By the 11th Century, games were often played between rival villages and the 'pitch' could be an incredibly large area. The 'pitch' was not a defined size with a parameter, but included streets, fields, and village squares.

Scale and Economic of Football

Football is a well known sport with both males and females. Football is a very successful sport and it is at its highest that it has ever been, in terms of participation rates. The game has more spectators, participants, revenues and media interest than at any time in its history.

The FA, the governing body of football in England, is responsible for developing and regulating the game at all levels from international football to the grassroots. The FA are committed to making football accessible, enjoyable and safe for everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexuality, background or ability.

Football is a national game and there are many people who participate in football from all ages and at a professional level. Below shows recent figures which show the participation rate within the sport.

7 million participants, plus 5 million in schools

500,000 volunteers

37,500 clubs, including 9,000 youth clubs

2,000 competitions

32,000 schools (17,000 primary)

30,000 FA-qualified coaches

27,000 FA-qualified referees

45,000 pitches (21,000 facilities)

The FA work closely with many other football associations which help with the running of different aspects of the game. The AFC in Asia, CAF in Africa, the Football Confederation (CONCACAF) in North and Central America and the Caribbean, CONMEBOL in South America, UEFA in Europe and the OFC in Oceania all provide support to FIFA without encroaching on the rights of the national associations.

Employment in football

Football is a very big and wide sport and there are many jobs which are offered ranging from coaches to managers, football does not just need professional players but they need people in the background to help with the running of the games and all the associations. Occupations include jobs such as:

Coaches/trainers

Players

Grounds man

Medical staff

Stewards

Scouts

Mangers

Chairman and board members

Officials

Volunteers

Treasurer

Development officer ...