The 1910s was a turning point in the history of table soccer. During this time, the game that we know today as foosball was born. Despite the difficulties caused by World War I table soccer survived and even thrived among the elite. Looking back on the 1910s it's apparent that the decade played a significant role in turning table soccer into the popular pastime it is today. Whether you're a casual player or a die-hard table soccer fan, it's worth appreciating the rich history that gave birth to this classic game.
The origins of table soccer can be traced back to Europe in the late nineteenth century, but it wasn't until the 1910s that the game we know today began to take shape. In 1910 British inventor Harold Thornton came up with a game he termed "table football." In this early form of the game, players used miniature football players attached to rotating rods to kick a little ball into the opponent's goal.
As table soccer gained popularity in Europe it also made its way across the Atlantic to the United States. However, it remained a somewhat specialized pastime, with most of the action taking place in exclusive clubs and premium nightclubs. The game was first offered under several titles, including "table football" and "football soccer.”
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had a profound impact on table soccer’s appeal. Many young men who would have been playing table soccer were drafted into the military, slowing the game’s advance during the war years. Nonetheless, the game remained popular in some social circles, providing a distraction from the horrors of war.
Table soccer continued to evolve during the 1910s. With improved materials and more complex playing figures, the game's design is enhanced. Goal assembly and playing figure configurations came to resemble those on current soccer tables.
During the 1910s, table soccer was mainly a game favored by the upper and middle classes. It was common in premium social clubs and upscale nightclubs, where players would gather for friendly competition. These early soccer tables were often exquisitely manufactured and they were a status symbol in some circles.
While table soccer was still a new sport in the 1910s, the decade laid the groundwork for its future expansion. The game's mechanics and popularity evolved through the years, eventually leading to broad adoption and the establishment of competitive table soccer leagues around the world.
In Europe, foosball, or "table football" as it was commonly referred to, was gaining popularity in various countries during the 1910s. Germany, France, and Austria were among the nations where soccer tables were being manufactured and enjoyed. In Germany, the game was known as "Tischfußball," and it was played in beer halls and cafes.
The popularity of association soccer in Europe during this period had a direct influence on table soccer's growth. As soccer gained prominence, table soccer offered a way for enthusiasts to enjoy a miniature version of the sport indoors. The game's objective of scoring goals mirrored that of soccer, making it an appealing pastime for those who loved the beautiful game.
As the 1910s progressed, table soccer design underwent continuous refinement; vintage tables from that era even featured ashtrays, reflecting the indoor smoking culture of the time. At the same time, the playing figures underwent huge improvements that enhanced their responsiveness and allowed players to have better ball control. Additionally, the playing surface materials improved, providing a smoother and more consistent playing experience.
Table soccer in the 1910s was as much about socializing as it was about gameplay. It provided a fun and communal activity for people to enjoy in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. It was not uncommon for friends and acquaintances to gather around a soccer table, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition.
While table soccer was still a hobby during the 1910s, there were reports of informal tournaments and competitions emerging in some European cities. These events showcased the competitive aspect of table soccer, foreshadowing its future as a sport with organized leagues and championships.