Overview

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. Learners can apply for Financial Aid directly with Coursera to assist with the cost of accessing the full course and gaining a certificate for successfully completing the course.

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.

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.