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Creation of Football "Soccer" Association
The creation of the Football Association allowed guidelines and rules to be made regarding the sport. This has allowed for fair games, and the rules are changed even today. http://www.topendsports.com/sport/soccer/history.htm -
Soccer becomes an official sport
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_football -
First Soccer Tournament
The Youdan Cup, which was the first soccer tournament, was held in England. This gave the start the many soccer tournaments and championships that would follow. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youdan_Cup -
Creation of Penalty Kick
The penalty kick was introduced, which helped restart the game when the ball exited the field boundaries. This has become a main part of the game. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penalty_kick -
FIFA was Founded
FIFA was created to help with the organization of international soccer matches. This has allowed thousands of players to compete in championships across the world. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA#Guilty_pleas -
1908 Olympics
For the first time soccer was included in the Olympics. This led to numerous other matches in the Olympics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_at_the_1908_Summer_Olympics -
Goalkeeper Rule
In 1912 a rule was established that prevented goalkeepers from handling the ball beyond their goal area. This influenced strategies used for defensive parts of the matches, and limited the abilities of goalkeepers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_association_football -
FIrst intercollegiate soccer match
In 1938 West Chester State College and Salisbury College competed against each other in the first multi college soccer event. This influenced soccer competitions at the youth level. http://www.ussoccer.com/About/History/Timeline.aspx -
Creation of the Penalty Shootout
The penalty shootout was established, which helped determine the winner of matches when the scores were tied. This has helped settle disputes regarding matches. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penalty_shoot-out_(association_football)#History -
First FIFA Women's World Cup
The first FIFA Women's World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1991. This helped bring popularity to women playing professional soccer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_FIFA_Women%27s_World_Cup