Soccer, known as football in most of the world, is one of the most popular sports today. Let’s explore its history and how it developed and spread over the years.

It is said that the history of soccer dates back as far as 2500 B. C. in London. In China, the most relevant (相关的) is the Chinese game of Tsu’ Chu (Cuju) . Records of the game began during the Han Dynasty (206B. C. — 220A. D.) and it may have been a training exercise for soldiers. Players kicked a small ball into a net between two bamboo poles. The use of hands was not allowed, but a player could use his feet and other parts of his body.

The modern shape of soccer was formed at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1848, the “Cambridge Rules” were founded at Cambridge University. After they graduated, adult football clubs became more common, players could continue to play the ball.

The Football Association (FA) was created on October 26, 1863. Over the years, more clubs joined the FA until the number reached 128 by 1887. In 1872, the first Football Association Cup was played in London. Other associations were formed, including the Football League in1888 in the north and midlands of the country, and the first championship league games were played.

It did not take long for other European countries to accept the British love for soccer. Leagues began popping up throughout the world: the Netherlands and Denmark in 1889, Argentina in 1893, Chile in 1895, Switzerland and Belgium in 1895, Italy in 1898, Germany and Uruguay in 1900, Hungary in 1901, and Finland in 1907. It was not until 1903 that France formed their league.

In 1930, the first-ever FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay. There were 41 members of FIFA at that time. Today it has over 200 members and the World Cup is one of the biggest events of the year.

Poetry Contest

The contest is open to anyone aged thirteen and up who writes poetry. Enter your poem for a free chance to win prizes! You can submit a poem on any topic, employing whatever style you prefer.

Information

No entry fee is required for the contest. The main contest is held twice a year. Contest dates are January 1—June 30 and July 1—December 31. All winners will receive a letter and their prize via regular mail. The first place winner will be contacted by phone or email and asked to call our office to confirm their identity before their prize is mailed. As soon as the complete list of winners is drawn up, it will be posted on the home page.

Rules

·Only submit ONE poem, ONE time. Only one poem per household will be accepted.

·Poem must be 26 lines or fewer, including stanza breaks but not including the title, and lines may be no more than 55 characters across, including spaces.

·Do not use “texting” lingo. Properly spell out all words and typing the first word of each line in capital letter.

·All poems must be written in English.

Prizes

Both contests award one first place prize of $ 2, 000. 00 and a first prize wall plaque(匾牌)($ 100. 00 value); twenty second place prizes of $ 100. 00 each and a second place wall plaque($ 75. 00 value); one hundred third place winners of a third place gift certificate($ 25. 00 value). Sixty to seventy percent of all entries become semi-finalists and receive a certificate of participation suitable for framing.

Clothes Upcycling (升级改造) Contest 2024

Are you passionate about fashion and the environment? Do you have a creative mind and want to make a positive impact on the planet? Then we have a contest for you!

We are excited to launch the Love Your Chelmsford Upcycling Clothes Contest for secondary school ages(11-18 years), to promote extending the life of our clothes and save them from going to landfills! Upcycling clothes has many benefits including reducing the impact of buying new on natural resources and reducing your carbon footprint.

You have to create clothes from used materials, and transform them into something new and exciting. Each applicant can be one individual person or one group. Applicants can apply multiple times, but only be qualified to win with one submission (提交).

To enter, you must be a resident of Chelmsford and aged 11-18. We will require a before and after picture of your shoes or clothes upcycling project along with a description of the materials and techniques that you used to create your masterpiece (作品). Please send your submission to loveyourchelmsford@chelmsford.gov.uk by June 30, 2024.

Show the creation process of your masterpiece and share where everything came from.

*Up to 100 applicants will have the option to be listed on our website to sell their upcycled work.

*The most impressive upcycled masterpiece will win a £100 Gift Voucher (礼品券) to shop at Glass Onion, plus there are 5 runner-up prizes of a 183-piece sewing kit.