20 August 2019 - Student Ambassador Exchange

American Football VS Soccer

Depending on where you live, football and soccer can refer to completely different games. For example, in America football refers to American football whereas in the UK it refers to association football, which in America would be called soccer. And while American football is the most popular sport in America, football (aka soccer) is the world’s most popular sport (brilliantmaps.com).

Map showing use of ‘football’ vs ‘soccer’, creatd by reddit user reddripper

What’s the Difference?

American football is a team sport with eleven players on the field at a time. American football requires players to have speed, power, and explosiveness that requires helmets and padding to be worn. The main objective of the sport is scoring goals by moving forward with the ball into the opposite team’s end line for a touchdown or kicking the ball through the challenger’s goalpost.

Soccer (called fútbol or football in most countries) is the most popular sport in the world. The objective of the game is to score goals by kicking the ball into the net behind the goal post. Soccer involves primarily kicking the ball to play vs American football which uses throwing to move the ball.

Want to play a sport during your exchange?

Many exchange students learn new sports or enjoy an old favorite while studying abroad. Your local public school will offer seasonal sports. To the join the team, ask a counselor or coach about the process. Can’t find the sport you want to play at your school? Try city sports leagues! They offer a chance to meet your local community and compete in a sport.