Do you play soccer in your backyard, scoring goals with family and friends? Are you looking to take your soccer turf to the next level? Or are you a fan who would rather watch the stars kick the ball in the World Cup on TV? Either way, you are not alone. Soccer is known as the world’s favorite sport, having engaged players across the globe for over 3,000 years. 

The earliest form of soccer was casual and informal. Over time and after much debate, the game gained rules. As soccer has become more modern, playing conditions and arenas have developed as well. Some of the most recent changes include the rise of artificial soccer turf. The experts at Watersavers carry high-quality soccer turf that’s ideal for a professional game to a casual backyard pickup game. We stock sports grass with blades designed for maximum performance and durability. 

FIFA and Artificial Soccer Turf at the World Cup

Soccer is one of the only sports to have a worldwide competition once every four years, in a format similar to the Olympics. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) regulates the sport. Every four years they hold the FIFA World Cup. The game makes for a great viewing experience and has a huge fan base. 1.5 billion viewers watched the World Cup on TV in 2022, making it one of the most-viewed sporting events.

Stadiums in the last World Cup used soccer turf. Many arenas and soccer affiliates have made the switch to this synthetic field turf. Artificial soccer turf installation has many benefits, including savings on labor costs and lower water usage. Beyond easier maintenance, the quick draining sod means less chance of flooding. It allows for a more consistent and reliable surface leading to fewer rescheduled games.

How Soccer Began and Made Its Way through History

The origins of this much-loved sport are so ancient that there are no clear records of the first games. Scholars still disagree about which country invented soccer. Some sources say it appeared first in China in the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C. Other records and literature seem to prove that the ancient Romans and Greeks played the sport first. Wherever it began, the country that changed the game into modern soccer was England. Legends say the first English ball was the head of a Danish thief caught robbing British citizens! 

While the game has changed over time, the aim has always been to get the ball into the net. Simple as that may sound, it hasn’t always been pure fun. In the 13th and 14th centuries, King Edward III and King James I of Scotland banned the game. At the time, rough play was an act of violence. It was also a distraction to soldiers who ditched archery practice to play soccer for fun. Additionally, the military saw it as a rebellion against stern officers when tensions were high. Lucky for us, soccer is now a fun way to blow off steam and stay fit. Soccer turf allows you to enjoy this renowned sport to the fullest!

Ready to get more soccer into your life? Start with the right surface on your ground. Contact us, visit a store location, or browse online to learn more about our sports turf.