Football: More than a Game

Explore the world of football (soccer), the money, the rivalries, the trends, the past, the present, the men’s game, the women’s game and the real issues. Whether you love it, hate it or try to ignore it – join us as we go behind the scenes to examine why football is more than just a game.

From street soccer to multi-million dollar transfers, from the men’s game to the women’s, from the global to the local, from the beaches of Brazil to the fight against poverty this online course looks beyond the pitch, to explore football’s role in society and possibly a community near you.

Is this course only for football experts and fans?

Not at all, everyone is welcome - anybody interested in football and its place in the world. We recommend a broad interest in football as a contemporary phenomenon - you will cover some of the top football clubs, grass-roots football projects, the FIFA World Cup, and the Homeless World Cup.

What resources will I need for this class?

All you need is internet access to join in the discussions and time to work through each week’s content.

• Football: History, myths and power
• Welcome
• From folk game to people's passion
• Overview, key terms, readings and next steps
• Global Football: Reality, Myth, Issues and Trends
• Welcome
• Global Football, FIFA and the Big Five European Leagues
• Overview, Key Terms, Readings and Next Steps
• Great football clubs, nations and matches that changed the world
• Welcome
• Great Football Communities, Clubs and Stadiums
• Football Rivalries and Derby Matches
• Overview, Key Terms, Readings and Next Steps
• The FIFA World Cup – Who are the champions of the world?
• Welcome
• Women: Champions and the World Cup
• World Cup Cities, Champions and Legacies
• The Homeless World Cup
• Overview, key terms and next steps
• Football for International Development, Diplomacy and Peace
• Welcome
• Football as Aid: Advancing International Development through Football
• Football for Hope, Peace, Diplomacy, and Health
• Test
• Overview, key terms and next steps
• Football finances, ownership and review
• Welcome and Congratulations
• Football Issues and Preparation for Peer Review
• Your 500 word answer to why football is more than a game
• Overview, Key Terms and the Final Steps