The Ball

Every four years a legendary football, known as "The Ball" makes its way from Battersea Park in London (where the first FA Rules football match was played) to the Opening Ceremony of the Football World Cup. For fans, it is a symbol that matches the spirit of the Olympic Flame and is known as Football’s Olympic Torch.

In 2002 the affectionately nicknamed ‘Fevernova’ was carried 7000 miles across Europe and Asia to the World Cup Finals. Along the way, it was commandeered by many local people for an impromptu game and many noted their experiences online.

Four years later, in May 2006, ‘Teamgeist’ left Battersea Park in May on the first step of its journey to Munich, Germany, exploring the history of the ‘beautiful game’ as it went.

Most recently in 2010, The Ball made its way through thirty two countries on its way to South Africa and was the proud sponsor of "Alive and Kicking", a campaign to provide balls for children, jobs for adults and health education for all in Africa. This was The Ball’s longest journey, an epic 10,000 miles to Johannesburg, immersing itself in the culture and excitement of the African continent. Over 17,000 people kicked, headed or signed the Ball.

Nothing brings people together like football; it’s a universal language and the Ball is a symbol to rally behind for people from all cultures and backgrounds, fans or not. You can be black or white, rich or poor, male or female. It doesn’t matter. The Ball is for everyone, the game is for everyone. That’s what its saying.

"One ball. One world." In these troubled times and with football getting a lot of blame and poor press, that doesn’t sound like such a bad philosophy.

You can find all the latest foobtall related information at footballscores.com, and even check up on european football scores!