If you’ve ever wondered why a soccer field is called a “pitch,” you’re not alone. It’s a common question with a surprisingly interesting answer. Here’s the story of how the word came to be used in soccer.
Let’s kick off!
Table of Contents
- 1 Why is a soccer field called a pitch?
- 2 The surprising origin story of why soccer fields are called “Pitches”.
- 3 Watch and learn: The history of the soccer pitch
- 4 What is the difference between a field and a pitch?
- 5 How big is a soccer field?
- 6 Is a soccer pitch bigger than a football field?
- 7 The final score.
- 8 This article was written by
Why is a soccer field called a pitch?
A soccer field is called a “pitch” because soccer used to played on cricket pitches back in the day!
The surprising origin story of why soccer fields are called “Pitches”.
It all started with cricket. In the early days of the sport, cricket was played on a pitch that was specifically prepared for the game.
The pitch was usually made of compacted earth with short grass, and it was carefully maintained so that it would be level and free of divots and other irregularities.
At some point, someone started using the word “pitch” to refer to the playing surface itself, rather than just the act of preparing it.
This usage eventually made its way into soccer, which was originally played on pitches that were also used for cricket.
Over time, the word became so synonymous with soccer that it stuck even after the sport began to be played on surfaces that were specifically designed for it.
So there you have it: the next time someone asks you why a soccer field is called a pitch, you can tell them it’s because we owe our thanks to cricket!
Watch and learn: The history of the soccer pitch
Here’s a great video that talks you through everything you need to know about why it’s called a soccer pitch.
What is the difference between a field and a pitch?
When it comes to playing sports, there are all sorts of different terms that get thrown around. Some people might say they’re going to play on a field, while others might say they’re going to play on a pitch. So what’s the difference?
Well, technically speaking, a field is any open area of land that is used for playing sports. This could be a grassy park, a school playground, or even a sandy beach.
A pitch, on the other hand, is a specific type of field that is used for playing certain sports such as baseball, cricket, or soccer.
In most cases, pitches are enclosed by some kind of boundary (e.g. a fence or sidelines), and they often have specific markings that indicate where players should stand or where the ball should go.
So as you can see, context is key when it comes to understanding the difference between a field and a pitch!
How big is a soccer field?
Depending on the level of play, a soccer field can range in size from 50 yards wide by 100 yards long (for youth games) to up to 130 yards wide by 200 yards long (for professional matches).
However, the field must be rectangular in shape and all lines must be clearly visible.
The midfield line divides the field in half, and the two goal lines sit perpendicular to midfield at the end of each half.
The penalty area, which is 18 yards wide by 44 yards long, is located in front of each goal. The center circle, with a radius of 10 yards, is placed at midfield.
Finally, there are two curved lines known as the touchlines that outline the sides of the field. All in all, a typical soccer field covers about one-third of an acre.
Is a soccer pitch bigger than a football field?
Yes, a soccer pitch is usually bigger than a football field.
Typically, the size of a soccer pitch is between 90 and 120 meters long and about 45 to 90 meters wide.
On the other hand, an American football field is typically only 48 meters long and 109 meters wide. So they’re slightly longer and thinner.
The final score.
The word “pitch” has been used in soccer for so long that we often don’t stop to think about where it came from.
But as it turns out, the answer is quite interesting.
The next time you’re at a soccer match, take a look around at the pitch and think about how this humble playing surface has come to be so important in the world’s game.
