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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Tony Collins, a renowned historian and Emeritus Professor. With a career spanning decade, Tony is a leading expert in sports history, having authored over 12 books and won the prestigious Aberdare Prize four times. His expertise has been sought after by major TV programs like BBC Radio 4’s Sports and Football: A Brief History on the British and History Channels.

Tony’s impact on the world of sports history extends beyond publishing. He has contributed to organizations like Rugby League Cares, the RFU’s World Rugby Museum, and the Heritage Lottery Fund. He has also held significant leadership roles, serving as the chair of the British Society for Sports History and as editor of Sport in History, an academic journal dedicated to sports studies.

In addition to his work as a historian and consultant, Tony has taught at institutions like Leeds Metropolitan, De Montfort University, and is currently a professor at Loughborough University.

- Tony Collins Introduction to Sports History (1:30)

- Formation of Ball Sports (03:39)

- Divergences from One Game to Many Football Codes (05:58)

- Formation of Rules (10:32)

- How Soccer Over Took Rugby Union & The Importance of the FA Cup (15:00)

- The Importance of 1903-1905 in Sport: Ruby Unions Split to Rugby Leagues (23:53)

- The Importance of 1903-1905 in Sport: NFL/ Gridiron (27:35)

- How Soccer and Rugby Where Perceived in Terms of Danger in 19th Century (31:15)

- Split in NFL and NCAA (34:38)

- Effects of World War on Sport and History of Women’s Football (37:36)

- Important of the split in Rugby Union and Rugby League (47:30)

- Impact of Off Side Rule in all Football Codes (56:01)

- How did Soccer Get its Name? (1:00:22)

- Professor Collins Favourite Football Moment (1:02:45)

- Where to Find Professor Collins (1:07:52)

Tony Collins:

x/twitter: @collinstony

http://www.tonycollins.org

http://www.rugbyreloaded.com

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