Football is most popular in autumn. The game originated as college sport more than 75 years ago. It is still played by almost every college and university in the country. In American football there are 11 players on each team, and they are dressed in padded uniforms and helmets because the game is rough and injuries are likely to occur. The student spectators are led in cheering for their teams by trained, uniformed students cheerleaders, many of whom are pretty girls. However, anyone who hasn’t attended a large college football game has missed one of the most colorful aspects of American college life. Outstanding high school football players are usually encouraged to come to a college or university by offers of scholarships. And the urge to win is so keen that many colleges actively seek outstanding players for their student body. There are professional football teams in nearly all of the major cities of the United States.