From Football to Soccer: The Early History of the Beautiful Game in the United States (Sport and Society Book 1)
Long before soccer became a globally recognized sport in the late 19th century, kicking games were a part of American life, played by Indigenous peoples and European settlers alike. These early forms of football,rooted in cultural traditions and communal activities,laid the groundwork for the sport's evolution in the U.S. As communities grew and diversified, the game became a bridge between different groups, fostering connections through shared play. The book explores how these pre-existing sports not only shaped the cultural landscape but also set the stage for the rise of organized soccer, highlighting its role as a unifying force across generations and regions.
Professional soccer's emergence after World War I marked a turning point, transforming football from a local pastime into a structured, social phenomenon. The narrative reveals how the sport provided women with opportunities to engage in athletics, challenging conventional gender roles and creating spaces for participation and competition. For men, it became a means of building camaraderie through shared experiences in education, work, or military service. As higher education expanded, college football further embedded the sport into American society, influencing its growth and eventual integration into the international soccer scene. This rich history underscores football's adaptability and enduring relevance in shaping social dynamics and cultural identity.
- Pros
- Comprehensive ancient analysis
- Insights into societal impact
- Covers diverse cultural contexts
- Examines evolution of sports and identity
- Accessible, well-structured writing
- Cons
- Complex subject matter
- Potentially dense for casual readers
- Limited focus on specific regions
- historical details may require contextual knowledge
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | August 24, 2025 |
| Publisher | University of Illinois Press |
| Format | Kindle Book (10.1 MB) |
| Language | English |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0252052781 |
| Accessibility | screen Reader Friendly, Word Wise Enabled |
Football's Fearless Activists: How colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid, Kenny Stills, and Fellow Athletes Stood Up to the NFL and President Trump
For the first time, this book unpacks the seismic shifts sparked by the NFL player protests through firsthand accounts from the athletes themselves. Starting with Colin Kaepernick's silent gesture during a 2025 preseason game, it traces how a single act of defiance ignited a national conversation about race, justice, and the power of protest. Veteran journalist Mike Freeman brings together the voices of players who faced backlash from media, political figures, and even fans, offering an unfiltered look at the courage it took to challenge systemic issues. Readers gain insight into the personal risks these athletes took, from job losses to threats against their families, while exploring the broader cultural and political ripples that followed. it's a narrative that goes beyond headlines to reveal the human stories behind the movement.
The book delves into the motivations driving these athletes-why they chose to stand up, how their lived experiences with racism and police violence shaped their actions, and the toll of being labeled as "anti-American" by critics. Through candid interviews with Eric Reid, Kenny Stills, Richard Sherman, and others, Freeman sheds light on the intersection of sports, activism, and public perception. It's a deep dive into the complexities of balancing identity with professional success, and the long-term impact of their choices on society. Whether you're a sports fan, a social justice advocate, or simply curious about this pivotal moment in history, the book provides a nuanced understanding of the movement's legacy and the ongoing fight for equality.
- Pros: In-depth, personal narratives from key athletes; explores the roots of activism in systemic issues; provides context on the political and media response; highlights the real-world consequences of protest.
- Cons: May provoke strong opinions due to controversial subject matter; focuses exclusively on NFL players and their experiences; limited coverage of broader societal movements beyond sports.
| Publisher | Publication Date | Language | Print Length | ISBN-10 | ISBN-13 | Item weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports publishing | September 15, 2025 | English | 240 pages | 1683583507 | 978-1683583509 | 15.2 ounces | 6 x 1 x 9 inches |
Card Game - Fun Card Soccer Game for Game nights & Soccer parties - for Passionate Soccer Fans and Players - The Essential Card Game for Soccer Lovers and Soccer Trivia Heads
Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply enjoy the excitement of the game, this soccer trivia card game offers a dynamic way to engage with your favorite sport. With 850 challenging questions spread across seven distinct categories-like CLUBS, MANAGERS, and GUESS THE-it's perfect for deepening your knowledge or sparking friendly debates with peers.Designed for groups of 2 to 14 players, the game features 17 rounds that keep the competition intense and the fun flowing. The scoring system rewards players for answering correctly, with bonus points for those who tackle questions without relying on multiple-choice hints. It's an excellent tool for fostering teamwork, sharpening trivia skills, and creating memorable moments around a shared passion for soccer.
As a compact and portable game, it brings the thrill of soccer trivia to any gathering, from cozy family game nights to lively sports-themed parties. The included 350 trivia cards, along with a gameplay guide and scorecard, ensure you have everything needed to start playing instantly. Its versatility allows for easy setup and adaptability to different skill levels, making it accessible to both casual fans and educated enthusiasts. The multiple-choice format adds a strategic layer, encouraging players to think critically while keeping the pace brisk. With a global appeal rooted in soccer's universal popularity, this game is ideal for sparking conversations, testing expertise, and celebrating the sport that unites millions.
Pros
- 7 categories for varied gameplay: Clubs, Players, Managers, International, Geography, Guess The, and Challenge
- 17 rounds designed to maintain engagement and competitive intensity
- Scoring bonus for answers without multiple-choice assistance
- portable and easy to setup for any occasion or location
- Compact design fits well in a home or travel setting
Cons
- Not suitable for non-soccer fans due to niche content
- Questions may be difficult for less experienced players
- Requires a group of 2 to 14 people for full enjoyment
- Point difference for using or avoiding multiple-choice hints
What's Inside
| Number of Trivia Cards | 350 |
| Selection Cards | 3 |
| Gameplay Guide | 1 |
| Scorecard Reference Sheet | 1 |
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Discover the Power
From football to Soccer: The Early History of the Beautiful Game in the United States (Sport and Society Book 1)
Discover the fascinating origins of soccer in the U.S., exploring its cultural and societal evolution from past to present.
Football's Fearless Activists: How Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid, Kenny Stills, and Fellow Athletes Stood Up to the NFL and President Trump
Uncover the daring spirit of players who used their platform to drive social change and challenge authority.
Card Game - Fun Card Soccer Game for Game Nights & Soccer Parties - for Passionate Soccer Fans and Players - The essential Card Game for Soccer Lovers and Soccer Trivia Heads
Test your soccer knowledge with 850 challenging questions across 7 categories, designed for 2-14 players to engage in fun, competitive trivia.
Whether you're diving into the roots of soccer in the U.S., exploring the bold activism of athletes, or seeking a fun way to test your knowledge, these three offerings provide a comprehensive view of the sport's legacy. The history book uncovers the game's evolution, the activist book highlights its social impact, and the trivia card game brings it to life through play. Together, they celebrate soccer's power to inform, inspire, and entertain-at the intersection of culture and competition.
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