When it comes to the Soccer ball history and evolution we can really find some interesting facts. The first soccer ball came into existence around the year 1508 and it is believed that pigs were behind the history of the soccer ball. The killing of livestock before winter was the reason behind the history of the ball. The bladder of the pig was used to play a game that was similar to soccer and this is the reason it is considered to be the reason behind the evolution of the game.
In the year 1836 Charles Goodyear made round and oval rubber balls with patented rubber. Before this the size of the balls depended upon the pig’s bladder. 1851 was another milestone in soccer ball history and evolution with William Gilbert making the round leather ball that was fit for dribbling and kicking. The round ball was ideal for football as it was easier to kick. Till the nineteenth century these rubber balls could withstand great pressure. They were subsequently developed into balls that had new bladders and could be held together with inner tubes covered with brown leather. The leather ball was made by stitching 18 sections of tanned leather that was arranged in six panels of three strips each.
This ball was ideal for kicking but when heading the ball it proved to be extremely painful to the player. Another development in soccer ball history and evolution took place after the inflatable valve was invented and this improved the ball for game play.
A significant period in Soccer World Cup History began in 1951 when the white ball was invented so that spectators could track the movements of the ball during the game. With the advent of years there were many developments in the quality of the soccer ball. Today the soccer ball is much smoother and can endure the rough weather and game conditions that are required. In the early day of Soccer World Cup history different countries used different balls for playing the game. After FIFA was introduced, the organization standardized the game and set out uniform parameters for all countries to follow in the case of the soccer ball. These parameters covered the size, weight and the type of ball that should be used in the game. It was mandatory for all the football playing countries to follow the rules of the game for the purpose of uniformity.
Thus, with the above it has been significantly noted that the modern soccer ball that we know today was the subject of many developments and changes. The ball has now become customized and personalized also with the advent of many companies using them as promotional and advertising tools. These balls are ideal as gifts and presents. They are very popular and they can also be used as collector’s items too. There are many customized balls that have country flags and attractive graphics. The soccer ball has evolved in many ways and thanks to it we are still enjoying the thrills and excitement of soccer!