By the editor
Ancient Greeks abhorred idleness and spent their leisure time by indulging in simple exercises like moving their hands and legs including kicking an inflated ball. The Romans who came after them improved the game and introduced it in their colonies which soon became a favourite pastime. The English called it “foote balle” and it was initially a very rough and risky game. Gradually it was modified and refined, and on October 26,1863 Football Association was formed by 11 clubs which met in London. Subsequently, more football clubs emerged forming different “football associations” briefly known simply as “associations” further shortened to “assoc” from which the term “soccer” was derived. For the purpose of coordination and cooperation between all national associations throughout the globe, a world governing body called Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) was constituted in 1913. Soccer is included in Olympic Games besides the sport having its own World Cup, which is held every four years.
Like in all countries ruled by the British, India too was attracted by the game of football or soccer which soon spread to different villages and hamlets. Football, as the name itself suggests, means that the game is played mostly by using the feet while contact with any other parts of the body is legitimate barring the hands. That which is played by use of hands and head and not legs is known as “hand-ball.” Soccer is popular in nearly every nook and corner of the state which attracts youths of different ethnic groups, and earlier only boys played it but nowadays girls also are playing for recreation as well as for competition. Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs looks after different activities in the state and offers training within the state and outside.
In earlier years, youths, especially those belonging to local tribal communities, did not have enough opportunities and even if they could afford there were no good facilities at all like proper equipment and football fields. It was under the inspiration and enthusiasm of Fr K V George, Headmaster of St. Anthony’s High School, Laitumkhrah, Shillong during the 1970s that the school won the coveted Subroto Cup in 1978 and majority of players belonged to local Khasi Scheduled Tribe.
Quite recently, a young local student Federick Kurbah, aged 16 years, and hailing from Mawkolum village, East Khasi Hills district, qualified and has been selected to visit Manchester United club, England later this year. Organised by leading tyre makers Apollo Tyres in association with Manchester United, over 5000 young footballers took part in the programme this year. Legendary football players of Manchester United who came to India all the way from England were very much impressed by the skill and talent of Federick. Hailing from a humble family background with his single mother raising four kids, Federick started playing football from early childhood years with neighbourhood kids. His grandmother and uncle, both football fans, encouraged the young child to persevere in his attempt and at the same time insisted him to do well in his studies. Federick is grateful to Apollo Tyres and Manchester United for such a golden opportunity.