I was born in 1965, and I remember playing football as a kid during the 1970s, and referring to it as 'soccer'. As far as I can recall, it wasn't until the sport started becoming popular in the US in the 80s that Brits started taking a dislike to the word, as it was considered 'too American'. Can anyone else confirm this? Did anyone else remember using the S-word? I'm trying to settle an argument with some mates, most of whom are a few years younger than me.
And yes, we did call it soccer - although I also remember calling it footy so these must have been interchangeable over the years.
I was born in ‘66. It was always “football” to the kids I hung around with. May just have been different for you oldies?
I accept that. We also called it football and footy. My point is that some of us also called it soccer; that it wasn't just a Johnny-cum-lately American thing.
Never ever called it soccer, growing up in East hull it was always - footy or kickabout. Scramble goalie or heads n volleys but never soccer!!
You may well have done. Soccer was never used wherever I've been. Phrases/Words can often just be used in some areas.
I think Oldman grew up in East Hull! Oldman - can you confirm that Al the Cat also called it 'soccer'? I'm sure I've heard him use the word
Talking to a mate the other week at five a side and we discussed the massive decline in the number of local leagues (Satur Yup. Graduated from Lister...
Soccer is an abomination if it's said in an American drawl - sore-ka. Otherwise it's a diminutive of Association and given it's genesis as posh public schoolboy's patois to distinguish it from Rugby football then that's much more offensive. Bottom line; it's a **** word that has no place in modern usage.