Football: Why are sport rivalries called derbies?

The FA cup final ended in success for Manchester United - but why was this game extra special?

This year's FA Cup saw lots of fans looking forward to derbies.

The final ended with Manchester United beating their local rivals, Manchester City. This was the second time in history that the competition ended with a Manchester derby. The last time was last year!

But what is a derby, where did it come from, and why do people look forward to them so much? Keep reading to find out.

What is a derby?

One of the biggest derbies in the Premier League is between the two Manchester clubs - City and United

The most competitive fixtures in sport are often 'derby' matches.

These are most commonly associated with football, however they can take place in any sport e.g. rugby league and union, cricket and basketball.

Unlike a sporting rivalry which can be based on league position or history between two teams, a derby is a match between two local clubs that are geographically close to each other - for example teams that are from the same city or from the same part of the country.

So for example, a match between Manchester United v Liverpool is seen as a rivalry, whereas Manchester United v Manchester City is a derby.

Derby games are really important especially for fans and players, as there's local pride and bragging rights at stake for the winning team!

Where does the name 'derby' come from?

Some people think the word 'derby' comes from a horse race which first took place in the 18th century

There are a number of theories about the origins of the name 'local derby'. Many of the theories revolve around the role played by the Earl of Derby.

One theory is that the term comes from a horse race started by the Earl of Derby in 1780.

Others claim that it is named after the city of Derby, which was known for a game that everyone in the local area would take part in.

However, Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, believes that the term "local derby" came from rugby league.

Speaking to Newsround, he said "It wasn't from football at all. On our family's Knowsley Estate, you had St Helens at the southern end, and the town of Wigan at the northern end. At Easter, a game was arranged between the two sides which became known as the local derby."

"In the Super League, Wigan Warriors still play Saints every Easter."

Lord Derby says that information about the origins of term has been passed down through the generations of his family.

"When my uncle died I became the 19th Earl of Derby. He certainly told me about this"

"We may never have final categorical proof. But it does make sense, and has been talked about in the family."

"The last three Earls of Derby have all been presidents of the Rugby Football League, so the connection is there".

Big derbies from around the world

The Old Firm derby takes place between Rangers and Celtic

Rivalries between derby teams have often existed for many years.

Some derby matches even have their own names, here are a few examples of derbies from around the world:

Fans of Scottish football will be familiar with the Old Firm derby, the name given to any match that takes place between the two biggest names in Scottish football - Celtic and Rangers, teams which are both based in Glasgow.

Argentina's Superclásico is played between Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate. The name comes from the Spanish word 'clásico' which stands for 'derby', with the prefix 'super' used because these two teams are the most successful clubs in Argentine football.

The Tyne and Wear Derby is an example of a derby that takes place between two teams from cities that are located very close to each other in the north-east of England - Newcastle and Sunderland - rather than from the same city. The history between the two clubs goes back centuries - with the first-ever fixture between the two clubs taking place in 1888!

Merseyside derby

Everton won 2-0 at home against Liverpool in the most recent Merseyside derby

It was a delight for Everton fans as they beat their local rivals Liverpool at home for the first time in 14 years in the Merseyside derby in April.

Liverpool's title hopes were dealt a blow with the defeat, in Jurgen Klopp's last Merseyside derby as manager.