History of Foosball
The history of foosball is complex like many sports that have evolved over time. Most foosball experts attribute its origins to Western Europe. The Complete Book of Foosball cites an article in Le Soir Illustre claiming
Lucien Rosengart was the first inventor, a mechanical genius whose primary focus was automobiles.
Foosball naturally mimics the action of European football (that is, soccer), and its origins stem from a desire to turn the field sport into a table game. Foosball's popularity increased dramatically after World War II, attributed to the placement of foosball tables in USO recreational centers to help
rehabilitate war veterans. Today, foosball a social activity in pubs, homes, and highly-competitive tournaments.
The name of the game is foosball, fussball, table soccer, kicker. From the late 1950s to the 1970s, foosball loosely gathered into country leagues, culminating to form the European Table Soccer Union. In America the game arrived later, as the 'football'-loving Europeans were more interested in table 'football' first. When it did arrive, however, foosball's popularity came in full force. Americans began offering tournaments with big prize money in the late 1970s, and international competition soon followed. The passion for competitive recreation fueled local, regional, and international to develop out of previously uncoordinated groups of devoted foos players.
Today the International Table Soccer Federation acts as a central hub while more than thirty countries have national organizations dedicated to the game. Millions of people play foosball either casually or as a serious sport, with major events such as the World Cup of Table Soccer regularly redefining the sport and ranking the best players. Get a foosball table for your home to train yourself to be a more competitive player. Add one to your organization to bring a fun activity to everyone.
    
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