From the advent of modern football in the 1860s, the relationship between the sporting communities of England and Scotland was one of its defining factors beyond local level. The development of tactics, styles and practices was evidenced in matches between the national teams from the first unofficial meetings in 1870 followed by the first official international in 1872, through the adaption of the combination game (passing). The successful use of this style was exemplified by the 'Scotch Professors' who moved to England in increasing numbers, enticed south by payment for their services which was initially illicit but then legitimised with the introduction of professionalism in English football in 1885, with The Football League starting three years later – the pattern has continued ever since, due to the larger, more lucrative economic market for the sport in England and no legal barriers to employment between the countries as two parts of the United Kingdom.