In the 16th century, town of Florence celebrated the interval between Epiphany and Lent by playing a recreation which today is called “calcio storico” (“historic kickball”) in the Piazza Santa Croce. The young aristocrats of the city would dress up in fine silk costumes and embroil themselves in a violent form of football. For instance, calcio players may punch, shoulder cost, and kick opponents. The game is said to have originated as a navy coaching train. In 1580, Count Giovanni de’ Bardi di Vernio wrote Discorso sopra ‘l giuoco del Calcio Fiorentino. This is sometimes said to be the earliest code of guidelines for any football game.
The first football trophy tournament was the Caledonian Challenge Cup, donated by the Royal Caledonian Society of Melbourne, played in 1861 beneath the Melbourne Rules. The oldest football league is a rugby football competition, the United Hospitals Challenge Cup , while the oldest …