Great news for any football fanatics out there: it’s National Football Day! This annual celebration is the perfect excuse to gather your friends and family together to bond over the beloved sport that is football. One of the most popular sports in the U.S., football is reportedly played by over 5.6 million people above the age of six annually, and it’s also the most-watched sport broadcasted on T.V. In today’s post, we’re excited to delve into the history of football, and also provide our readers with some awesome ideas for activities to mark this national day with loved ones. We’re even going to round up our favorite football-inspired snacks and drink recipes for you, as an extra treat. So, let’s kick things off!
The History of the Sport
Football, also known as ‘American football’ in places outside of the U.S. and Canada, originated as a combination of the already existing sports of rugby and association football around the year 1880. The Yale University athlete and coach Walter Camp is widely credited with inventing the sport, adding the line of scrimmage, the forward pass, and blocking, distinguishing this new sport from its closest relative, rugby. The sport went on to become extremely popular among adults and children alike, and by 1920, the American Professional Football Association was formed, which went on to become the National Football League, or NFL. The biggest football event of the year is the Super Bowl, which began in 1966, and continues to capture the viewership of over 100 million people in our nation.
How to Celebrate National Football Day
1. Host a Tailgate Party
Whether you’d like to tailgate before a game, or just at your local park or beach for fun, this game-day tradition is a classic way to mark this football-centric occasion. If the weather is good, set up a portable gas grill or charcoal BBQ at the back of your parked vehicle, invite your friends, and get ready for some good old-fashioned tailgate party banter!
2. Join a Local Football Team
If you’re not already a member of your local football club or team, now’s the perfect time to take the leap and sign up! Joining a team sport offers countless benefits like the opportunity for socialization, improvements in fitness, and also teaches us how to work as part of a team.
3. Watch a Football Game
There’s nothing like viewing a highly-anticipated football game from the stands, or on your screen! Don your team colors and cheer on the players as they face off in a thrilling game.
4. Read up On the Facts and History of Football
While we mentioned a little bit about the history of this sport in our introduction to this post, there are a lot more interesting facts about football and its rich history to read about. Why not take it upon yourself to improve your knowledge in the sport this National Football Day?
5. Teach Your Little Ones to Play Football
All you need is a football and some outdoor space to teach your kids how to play! Engaging in football helps kids build strength, stamina, and speed, and also improves their concentration and coordination skills.
6. Have a Football-themed Party at your House
Round up your fellow football fans and throw the best football-themed soiree anybody’s ever seen! Have your guests come in their team colors, and have your own game of football. If you don’t have the space, opt to watch a game on TV instead!
7. Make Your Own Custom Football Jersey
Jerseys are a key part of football culture, distinguishing teams from one another, and providing fans with the opportunity to show support for their team of choice. Design your very own custom jersey with Zazzle and totally impress all of your friends!
8. Host a Football Trivia Quiz
Having your own football trivia quiz is a fantastic way to start some friendly competition outside of playing the sport itself. Divide your friends and family into teams, and challenge yourselves to see who’s the most knowledgeable!
9. Start a Fantasy Football Team
Create your own team of real NFL players in this world-famous game that allows you to play as a team owner. Whether you join a public league or a private league, it’s always a lot of fun!
10. Have a Football-themed Movie Marathon
Football has inspired countless iconic films like Jerry Maguire (1996), Varsity Blues (1999), Friday Night Lights (2004), and The Longest Yard (1974). Pop some popcorn, get cozy, and enjoy a few of these films back-to-back for a relaxing way to observe National Football Day.
11. Donate to or Volunteer at Local Football Programs/Organizations
Football organizations often work tirelessly to offer this beneficial activity to both kids and adults, so why not host a fundraising bake sale or volunteer with your local club to help out?
12. Customize a Gift for your Football Coach
Football coaches are some of the most hard-working and patient people out there! Show your appreciation for your own coach, or help your little ones thank their dedicated coach by giving them a one-of-a-kind, personalized gift. They’ll adore it!
Food and Drink Ideas for National Football Day
Everybody knows that delectable snacks and refreshing drinks go hand-in-hand with watching a football game! This national football day, why not recreate some of these popular game-day and football-inspired foods? Whether you’re hosting a football event yourself, or just want to make some delicious food for the game you’re going to watch at home with your little ones, the following recipes are sure to give you some inspiration:
Snacks:
- Football Cake Pops
- Hot Dogs
- Cheeseburger Sliders
- Tater Tots
- Chips and Guac
- Nachos
- Puppy Chow
- Chili Cheese Fries
- Jalapeno Poppers
Drinks:
Whichever way you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a wonderful National Football Day this year, and make some cherished memories! If you’d like to share your best football tips, favorite teams, or go-to game-day refreshments in the comments below, go right ahead. We’d love to hear from you!
Ella is a content specialist from Cork, Ireland. Her passions include spending time with her two energetic dogs, fashion, photography, and trying new vegan food!
