Soccer Uniforms of the Twenties

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Soccer (or football ) is the world’s most popular sport. Soccer’s popularity has far exceeded any other sport, being played by over 250 Million people in over 200 countries throughout the world. Early versions of soccer first emerged in England and date back to at least the Eighth century. Throughout the long and fabled history of Soccer, the rules have changed, its popularity has increased, and the game has become more exciting. Amidst all of the changes that the sport has endured, one aspect of the game has remained constant – Players have always worn some type of uniform. Soccer uniforms have played an important role throughout the history of the sport, allowing players to stay cool and to protect them from bodily injury. Soccer uniforms generally consist of the following components: short or long-sleeved jersey top, soccer shorts, soccer socks, shin guards and soccer shoes (or soccer cleats). Around the year 1870, popularity of the sport and media attention spurred an evolution of the Soccer Uniform. The primary function of the Soccer Uniform was no longer to just keep the player cool and safe but rather to identify the player and the team to which they belonged. The addition of numbers and distinguishing colors/logos were used for the first time to help fans and players alike identify each other on the field. Numbers on the back of soccer uniforms were originally determined based on a team’s starting formation. Numbers 1-11 were given to the starting players of each team. Substitute players were assigned numbers beginning at
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