TV Review: The English Game (2020). Netflix.

Set in the late 1870s and early 1880s, this very novel period piece and docudrama mini-series shows how two young men -- one a banker and Etonian son of an English lord, the other a poor Scottish factory worker -- together created the modern game of professional soccer, through their fierce competition on the pitch as star players for rival teams, and their cooperation off the pitch in pushing through important changes to how the sport was organized and played in England.

Among the innovations that grew out of their collaboration, and ultimately spread around the globe, were changes to who could field teams, which opened the sport up to players and teams from all classes, rather than just the wealthy; eligibility and participation rules changes which allowed players to be paid for their playing; and also important changes to the on-field tactics and rules of the game, particularly the evolution toward a more team- and pass-oriented tactical game, rather than having teams just rely on a few individual stars’ skills and prowess.

In the course of this intriguing story, each man also has to deal with other challenges in their respective personal and social lives.  This film is based on real events and historical figures.  It was produced by Julian Fellowes (of Downton Abbey fame).  Recommended.