Crossword Genius

Early football tournament led by British (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bladder

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'early football' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'tournament led by british' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'british' could be 'b' (abbreviation e.g. in 'BBC') and 'b' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ladder' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bladder that I've seen before include "may be subject to inflation?" , "Distensible sac" , "Bag containing liquid or gas" , "Inflated bag" , "Distensible bag" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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