Sheffield’s Unique Connection to the FIFA World Cup

As the World Cup tournament unfolds, it’s worth looking back with pride on the largely unknown, yet influential role the city of Sheffield has played in helping football become the game that it is today. The worlds most watched sporting event is taking place in Russia right now; The 2018 FIFA World Cup. An astounding 3.2 billion fans tuned in for the last World Cup and this year will likely draw a similar crowd as World Cup fever spreads across the globe. Kicking off yesterday June 14th, thirty-two countries will battle it out for the most sought-after trophy in football. England’s first game will take place Monday against Tunisia. As a South Yorkshire based business, KTR UK is located just down the road from the “home of football” and we thought it only fitting to share Sheffield’s unique yet largely unknown football history. The Home of Football While various versions of football were played as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome, it was in England where the game as it is known today truly began. In 1857, Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest wrote out the rules of football and founded The World’s First Football Club, Sheffield FC. Prior to this, football had been played casually in schoolyards and at universities, but a standardized set of rules had yet to be created. This meant that things such as pitch type, ball sizes, and codes of conduct varied from place to place. The so-called “Sheffield Rules” played an integral role in the formation of the Football Association (FA) and included additions to the game such as the corner kick, free kick, and throw-in. It’s difficult to imagine the game of football without these crucial additions, which is why Creswick and Prest’s legacy continues to live on today. In fact, FIFA recognized Sheffield FC’s contributions to football in 2004 with the Centennial Order of Merit. An award that Sheffield FC proudly shares with Real Madrid. The 2018 World Cup Squad Gareth Southgate’s 2018 World Cup squad, includes 17 players from the Premier League's 'big six'. With four players on the roster, Manchester United maintains bragging rights as the only club to be represented on every English tournament squad. However, Sheffield fans will also have a foot in the game, as Sheffield natives Harry Maguire, Jamie Vardy and Kyle Walker have been named to the squad as well. Sheffield United fans, in particular, may also be cheering on Walker and Maguire who began their careers donning Sheffield United kits. As the World Cup tournament unfolds, it’s worth looking back with pride on the largely unknown, yet influential role the city of Sheffield has played in helping football become the game that it is today. This year’s World Cup will be made even sweeter as three of our own gear up to represent our nation. While the odds may not favour an English win, in the world of sport, anything can happen. We will be joining the rest of England in cheering on our nation as they compete in the most prestigious tournament in football, and possibly all sport – will you be watching?

For more information on Sheffield’s Unique Connection to the FIFA World Cup talk to KTR U.K. Ltd