History of Football

Grade 7 · Physical Education

Semester 1 | Period 1 | Week 2

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Subject: Physical Education

Semester: 1

Period: 1

Week: 2


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: Physical Education
Grade Level: Grade 7
Date:
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 2, Period 1
Topic: History of Football

Sub-topic: Origin of football, development over time, major milestones, and notable figures in football history

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the origin of football and where it started
  2. Outline key milestones in the development of football as a global sport
  3. Mention at least two notable figures in football history, including Liberian football heroes

Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
• The definition of football
• The basic components of the game

Instructional Materials
• Textbook: Physical education textbooks for Grade 7
• Teaching aids: Timeline chart of football history, pictures of notable footballers (e.g., George Weah, Pele)
• Students' notebooks and writing materials

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity: The teacher will ask the class:
• “When do you think people started playing football?”
• “Who is the most famous footballer you know?”
The teacher will record their responses on the board.
Teacher’s Role: Engage students with curiosity questions to spark interest.
Learner’s Role:
• Share guesses and prior knowledge about football’s beginnings and famous players.
• Participate actively in brainstorming.

B – BUILDING KNOWLEDGE (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Role:
• Provide a short lecture on the history of football, showing a timeline chart of its origin and development.
• Explain that football has roots in ancient civilizations, including:

  • China: Cuju, a game played with a ball and goals.
  • Medieval Europe: Various ball games resembling football played in villages.
    • Emphasize the modernization of football in England (19th century):
  • Formation of the Football Association (FA) in 1863, which standardized rules.
    • Highlight the formation of FIFA in 1904, responsible for governing international football.
    • Discuss the first FIFA World Cup held in 1930 in Uruguay.
    • Explain the rise of African football, noting achievements of African nations in global competitions.
    • Relate the lesson to Liberia:
  • George Weah, the only African Ballon d’Or winner (1995).
  • Liberia’s pride in contributing to global football history.
    • Use visuals: photos of George Weah, World Cup trophies, FIFA logo, and a timeline of football history.

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):
• Observe the timeline chart and images.
• Listen attentively and take notes.
• Ask and answer questions such as:

  • “Where did modern football begin?”
  • “When was FIFA formed?”
    • Discuss in groups how football has influenced communities in Liberia, e.g., youth development, national pride, and social cohesion.
    • Share names of their favorite football players and explain why they are notable.
    • Engage in a brief role-play: students act out a historical match scenario, showing how football evolved from past to modern times.

Assessment Checks:
• Oral questions:

  • “Where did modern football begin?”
  • “When was FIFA formed?”
  • “Who is George Weah and why is he important in football history?”
    • Group discussion observation: Check learners’ understanding of football’s influence on society.

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):
• Football has ancient origins:

  • China (Cuju): A ball game using feet to kick the ball through a hole or target.
  • Medieval Europe: Early ball games played in villages and towns.
    Modern football began in England in 1863, with the formation of the Football Association (FA), standardizing the rules.
    FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) was founded in 1904 to regulate international competitions.
    • The first FIFA World Cup took place in 1930 in Uruguay.
    • Football became global, spreading to Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
    African contributions: African countries have grown in international football prominence.
    Liberia’s contribution:
  • George Weah is the only African to win the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or in 1995.
  • His achievements inspire Liberians and Africans in football.

Practical Application:

  • Students can create a mini timeline in groups showing key milestones in football history.
  • Learners can present their favorite player and explain his/her significance to football history.

Assignment:

  • Write a short essay on “The history of football and Liberia’s contribution to the sport.”
  • Draw a labeled timeline showing football’s evolution from ancient games to modern football.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
• The teacher will ask the students to recall: The origin of football, important milestones like FIFA’s founding and the World Cup, and notable figures in football history.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
• Exit slip/quiz: Students will write short answers to:

  1. Where did modern football begin?
  2. When was the first World Cup held?
  3. Mention one famous footballer in Liberia’s history.
    Teacher will collect and quickly review for understanding
    • Provide oral feedback before class ends

Assignment (Expanded): Students will write one page on “George Weah and his impact on football in Liberia and the world.”

Follow-up Activity: Students will research another famous footballer (international or African) and prepare to share one interesting fact about them in the next class.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
• Struggling Learners: Provided with simplified notes and guided discussion in small groups
• Advanced Learners: Asked to explain the role of FIFA and how it helped football grow worldwide
• Students with Disabilities: Supported with visual aids (pictures, charts) and assisted participation as needed

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
• What worked well? ______________________________________________________
• What needs improvement? _________________________________________________
• Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low