In 1863 the Football Association was established in England, and the rules of the game have remained essentially the same ever since. Their relative simplicity, and need for little equipment ensured that it became very popular. The power of the British Empire meant that it became played in every corner of the world, as sailors and soldiers would teach and then play local teams in every port they visited.
1863年，国际足协在英格兰建立，从此足球的比赛规则沿用至今。足球运动简单易行，而且不需要多少设施，因而使这项运动迅速风靡。而英帝国的强盛又帮助它传播到世界各个角落，因为英国海员和士兵每到一处，就会向当地人传授足球技艺，并与当地人组成的球队切磋。
