The development of modern football is closely linked to the industrialisation and urbanisation of Victorian Britain. The growing working class population was looking for new forms of recreation and sport. Many found themselves with free Saturday afternoons to spend playing the new game. Working-class teams were soon organised by key urban institutions. But the sport remained a largely amateur affair, with most players being paid little or no money.
The game has several rules and a penalty for fouls. A foul results in a yellow or red card. A yellow card is a warning, whereas a red card means dismissal. A player who receives two yellow cards is out for the rest of the game. If a player is sent off, he cannot be replaced. The ball is ruled out of play when a defender touches the ball carrier, catches his flag, or wraps his arms around him.
A football team usually has 45 to 50 players. Of these, 11 players play on offense and 11 play on defense. The big guys act as blockers, while the smaller ones are the ones who catch the ball. Medium-sized guys are sometimes assigned to do both. The game is also exciting to watch, and you can find a game to watch from the comfort of your own home.
The quarterback receives the snap from the center on most plays and then hands it to the running back or to a receiver on the opposite side of the field. The quarterback is in charge of the offense, and is the one who calls plays and signals from the sidelines.