Kicking off passion: the birth and rise of football in Belgium (1880-1914)

The article explores the early advent and evolution of football in Belgium until WWI, highlighting the crucial role played by British expatriates andthe influence of Catholic and State schools. It traces football’s journey from an elite pastime to a ‘popular’ sport, articulating football development to prominent cleavages in the society, especially Church-State and Economic divides. The paper delves into the challenges of establishing football in Belgian society, including issues of numerous practical problems, amateurism vs. professionalism, the role of Belgians in the establishment of FIFA and the football’s contribution to national identity pre-WWI.
info:eu-repo/semantics/published