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The Football League may have already started but the start of play for the top division is still two weeks away, have you got your printed giveaways ready?
The sport has come a long way since it first originated thousands of years ago. According to the official football association, the earliest form of football occurred in the 1st and 3rd Century BC within the Chinese military. The game was different to the game we know today, called cuju (translated to kickball). Cuju simply involved kicking a leather ball through a piece of silk cloth which was fixed on bamboo canes and raised nine metres from the ground. Between 206 BC and 220 AD, the game was standardised and rules were established.
The first recorded game of 'football' in the UK didn't take place until the 15th Century. Strangely, the game was prohibited by the Football Act 1424, although this law fell into disuse not long after. However, even so, the law was not repealed until as late as 1906. Individuals continued to play football over the years, but it wasn't until 1888 when the competitive aspect was introduced to the game.
Whilst at this time, there was football teams in existence, there was no 'football league' as such. Many football clubs would arrange competitive games which went against football rules, although in 1888 the Chairman of one football club approached the Football Association and suggested the introduction of a competitive league. His suggestion was agreed and so the Football League was born.
The concept of the league meant that every team played each other twice a season, home and away, and were awarded points depending on the outcome of the result. The team with the most points at the end of each 'season' were congratulated having won the Football League. These rules have changed a lot over the years, with one of the most notable changes being the introduction of more leagues. There was also the change which meant that clubs were awarded three points rather than two when they won a game.
This year, the football league celebrates its 125th year in existence. Football is considered to be the 'Nations Sport', so why not reward your customers with football-related promotional products? We have a selection of products including stress balls and actual footballs which you could give away.
Have a look at the printed giveaways on the Total Merchandise website for inspiration and ideas on how you can help to celebrate the football league.
