) In Britain, football games may have been played as early as the time of Roman occupation in the 1st ☀️ century bce.

During the 14th and 15th centuries ce, Shrove Tuesday football matches became annual traditions in local communities, and many ☀️ of these games continued well into the 19th century.

Part of the schoolboy's training was a commitment to arduous physical activity, ☀️ and, by the late 19th century, rugby and cricket had become the leading sports that developed the "civilized" manly behaviour ☀️ of the elite.

In 1863 the tradition of club matches began in England with Blackheath playing Richmond.

As a result of its ☀️ continued adherence to the practice, Rugby School did not join the RFU until 1890.