The English Game

England, 1879. With football still in its infancy and an amateur sport, upper-class teams, led by Old Etonians, have dominated the early years of the FA Cup. But a revolution is brewing: against the rules of the FA, James Walsh, the owner of working-class side Darwen FC and the associated mill, secretly pays talented Scottish players Fergus Suter and Jimmy Love to join the team ahead of the cup quarterfinals against Old Etonians, whose roster features several members of the FA Board, including team captain Arthur Kinnaird.

....as per IMDb 

When we think of the 19th century we most likely don’t think about football, or sports at all for that matter. This series gives us a look into how football was developed into what we know it as today. Thankfully if you aren’t a big fan of history it has many intriguing storylines and plenty of exciting football moments. We also get a great angle from the player’s perspective and what they went through in order to play the game they love. Many of these athletes held regular jobs however those in a lower socio-economic class had a more difficult time balancing work, football and their personal lives. This still resonates today as tough financial situations can still be seen as a barrier to participating in sport for many.

If you're a fan of football or a history buff, The English Game is an excellent choice for your next binge watch. Going back all the way to the 19th century it explains the story of how modern football came to be. Furthermore it is historically accurate with their uniforms, leather ball, social classes and the various rules that haven’t been quite polished yet. 

The premise of the show also follows the story of Fergus ‘Fergie’ Suter, a Scotsman that is believed to be the first professional footballer. As part of the lower class and coming from an abusive household Suter’s talent brings him the opportunity to play football full time. Although many people around him were appalled he would consider a career in football, he takes the opportunity in hopes of creating a better life for himself and his family.