A COUNTRY STEEPED IN FOOTBALL HISTORY

In 1863, several football clubs were called upon to decide a set of organized rules for the game of soccer, since it was growing in popularity and needed some form of organization.

Football in England dates back hundreds of years and is the birth place of the game.  Ever since medieval times, football seemed to fit the English people like a glove. Legend tells us that the first "football" matches were played by the mobs at public executions, using the unfortunate victim's head as a ball. Although this gory image is probably not true, the history of English soccer did start in medieval times, but in a less gruesome scenario.  The first written evidence of a football match came in about 1170, when William Fitzstephen wrote of his visit to London, "After dinner all the youths of the city goes out into the fields for the very popular game of ball."   Nowadays it is England's premier sport. There are a total of 92 professional clubs in the four English Football Leagues.  The English love football so much that they have turned most of their main players into celebrities.  The likes of David Beckham, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Stephen Gerard and George Best have become heroes for the hundreds of thousands of kids who are out having fun, playing football in parks, playgrounds and on the streets.  Today’s English Premier League is the most watched league in the world and the most lucrative as well – attracting the top players from all over the world.

The adidas International Training program offers development opportunities at the academies of Chelsea FC, Liverpool and Newcastle.

LONDON (CHELSEA FC)

Over 7 million people live in London, making it the biggest city in Western Europe. Lead by Chelsea, there are 5 English Premier League teams in London, providing a variety of match day attendance options every week. It is characterized as one of the greatest cities in the world, and with good reason. History literally leaps out at you wherever you set your foot in this amazing city. Because of its past, London has spectacular buildings; from St Paul’s Cathedral via Westminister Abbey to Big Ben, to the Tower of London. It also has many of the world’s best museums and galleries and the capital teams with pubs and clubs and is a leading force in the world of fashion and music. The city offers the international shopper quality, style, good value and diversity.

LIVERPOOL (LIVERPOOL FC)

The North West of England is a region of contrasts. It has exciting city life, a wealth of industrial heritage and a host of outstanding attractions. This is all played out against a backdrop of spectacular scenery and wonderful coastline and countryside. The city is intimately linked to The Beatles, and visitors can revel in anything that has to do with this legendary group. A new multi-media experience, The Beatles Story, takes you through famous venues such as The Cavern and Abbey Road studios. It would also be close to a sin to miss the “Ferry Across the Mersey” - as the song goes. It really is a wonderful way to see the city. The impressive Albert Dock is the centerpiece of the Merseyside waterfront. The magnificent buildings are Britain’s most popular heritage attraction and stands as a reminder of the city’s past as a great and prosperous port. Trendy pubs, bars and cafés line the streets and the city is just as vibrant at night, with the famous clubs Cream and the Cavern leading the way.