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Football

More than a Game

Grant Jarvie

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.

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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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Football: History, myths and power
This week considers the past, football myths and how history can help us understand football today. We will explore an extraordinary football journey not only taking in major milestones along the way, but getting a feel for how history can help us understand the present as well as the past.
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The global spectacle of football
We now move on to consider the game to-day and how it has grown into a global spectacle. In 2023 the English Premier League chief executive stated that we should not be too concerned at the moment about Saudi Arabia's growing influence in world football. In 2022 we had the Men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar and in 2023 the Women’s FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Local teams in parts of the world are teaming up with other teams in other countries as we increasingly think of clusters or families of football clubs working together. Many local football teams have an international reach with a fan base that does not live in the local community but connects with the club through a world that is connected through social media. When Ronaldo signed for Al Nassr club in Saudi Arabia international broadcasters from over 170 territories became interested. It is this relationship between the global and local that we ask you to think about this week.
Great football clubs, nations and matches that changed the world
It is impossible to cover every great club and rivalry. Nonetheless, in Week 3 we will look at football wealth, rivalry, community, and matches that made a difference.
The FIFA World Cup – Who are the champions of the world?
We take a look at three different competitions, the Men’s World Cup, the Women’s World Cup and the Homeless World Cup.
Football for International Development, Diplomacy and Peace
In week five we examine how football helps with international development, diplomacy and peace. We continue to advance the case for football delivering non-football outcomes. As a form of soft power football is often able to broker moments of normality within tense situations or periods of conflict. The activities associated with this week introduce you to issues of development, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. You are asked to consider whether football can act as a resource of hope. You are asked to continue thinking about football delivering Non-Football Outcomes.
Football finances, ownership and review
This final week introduces you to some issues around football finance and governance It also provides you with an opportunity to consider why you think football is more than a game.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores history, finance, international development, diplomacy, and peace, offering a comprehensive overview of the world of football
Presents a global perspective on football, examining its reach and impact across different cultures and regions
Features insights from experts Grant Jarvie, who are recognized for their work in the field of football management
Incorporates a variety of multimedia, including discussions and readings, to enhance learning
Delves into the social impact of football, examining its role in community development and international diplomacy
Suitable for learners with a general interest in football, as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of its multifaceted nature

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Football: More than a Game. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Football: More than a Game will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sports Journalist
A Sports Journalist writes for a newspaper, magazine, website, or other publication about sports. By taking this course, you will learn about the history, myths, global spectacle, and diplomacy of the game. This knowledge will allow you to write informed and insightful articles that will appeal to a wide audience.
Sports Broadcaster
A Sports Broadcaster provides commentary on sporting events for radio or television. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field. You will learn about the history of football, the different styles of play, and the key players and teams. You will also learn how to analyze games and provide insightful commentary.
Football Agent
A Football Agent represents the interests of professional football players. This course will help you understand the business side of football and the role of agents in the game. You will learn about contract negotiations, player transfers, and the legal issues involved in representing professional athletes.
Sports Marketing Manager
A Sports Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns for sports organizations, teams, and athletes. This course will help you understand the principles of sports marketing and how to create successful campaigns. You will learn about market research, public relations, and social media marketing.
Football Coach
A Football Coach leads and instructs a team of football players. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful coach. You will learn about offensive and defensive strategies, player development, and team management.
Sports Administrator
A Sports Administrator manages the day-to-day operations of a sports organization. This course will help you understand the different aspects of sports administration, including finance, marketing, human resources, and event management.
Football Scout
A Football Scout evaluates players for professional football teams. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful scout. You will learn about player evaluation, scouting techniques, and the different types of scouting reports.
Sports Event Manager
A Sports Event Manager plans and executes sporting events. This course will help you understand the different aspects of sports event management, including venue selection, marketing, and budgeting.
Football Analyst
A Football Analyst provides analysis and commentary on football matches. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful analyst. You will learn about different analytical techniques, how to use data to support your analysis, and how to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences.
Sports Lawyer
A Sports Lawyer represents the interests of athletes, teams, and sports organizations in legal matters. This course will help you understand the legal issues involved in the sports industry. You will learn about contract law, player rights, and the different types of legal disputes that can arise in the sports world.
Sports Psychologist
A Sports Psychologist helps athletes improve their mental and emotional performance. This course will help you understand the principles of sports psychology and how to apply them to help athletes reach their full potential. You will learn about motivation, confidence, and the different mental challenges that athletes face.
Sports Nutritionist
A Sports Nutritionist helps athletes optimize their nutrition to improve their performance. This course will help you understand the principles of sports nutrition and how to create personalized nutrition plans for athletes. You will learn about the different nutrients that athletes need, how to fuel for different types of training, and how to recover from exercise.
Sports Medicine Physician
A Sports Medicine Physician treats and prevents injuries in athletes. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in learning more about the medical side of sports. You will learn about the different types of sports injuries, how to diagnose and treat them, and how to help athletes prevent injuries.
Athletic Trainer
An Athletic Trainer provides medical care to athletes and helps them prevent and recover from injuries. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in learning more about the practical side of sports medicine. You will learn about the different types of injuries that athletes face, how to assess and treat them, and how to help athletes prevent injuries.
Physical Therapist
A Physical Therapist helps people regain movement and function after an injury or illness. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in learning more about the rehabilitative side of sports medicine. You will learn about the different types of injuries that athletes face, how to assess and treat them, and how to help athletes regain their full range of motion and function.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Football: More than a Game.
Comprehensive and authoritative history of soccer, from its origins in ancient China to its modern-day incarnation as a global sport. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the game's development and its impact on society.
Fascinating and in-depth look at the history of football tactics. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand how the game has evolved over time.
Data-driven analysis of soccer. It challenges many of the conventional wisdoms about the game and provides a new perspective on how it is played.
Classic memoir about a lifelong soccer fan. It funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking read for anyone who has ever loved a sport.
Collection of profiles of some of the most iconic soccer players of the modern era. It fascinating and insightful read for anyone who wants to know more about the lives and careers of these legendary figures.
Fictionalized account of the life and career of Brian Clough, one of the most successful and controversial soccer managers of all time. It gripping and thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in the dark side of the game.
Fascinating look at the role of soccer in society. It explores how the game can be used to promote peace, unity, and social change.
Gripping account of the first FIFA World Cup, which was held in Uruguay in 1930. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the origins of the world's most popular sporting event.
Data-driven analysis of the global soccer industry. It explores the factors that contribute to success and failure in the game.
Gritty and realistic portrayal of the world of soccer hooliganism. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the dark side of the game.

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