Medieval football, also known as mob football or folk football, was a popular game in Europe during the Middle Ages. Surviving versions of this game are played during Shrovetide, or the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Aspects of the game can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome. For example, the Ancient Romans played a sport called Harpastum, which had a unique element of keeping the ball in one's territory. Versions of medieval football also had this quirk, unlike most invasion games. It was during the Middle Ages around Shrovetide that Medieval Football gained immense popularity, especially in England.

A medieval football game was played between two teams, with unlimited players on each side. The objective of the game was to score goals by carrying or kicking a ball to the opposing team's goal line. One surviving version of the game has a team bring the ball to their territory and hit it against a goal (stone circle) three times. The ball used in medieval football was often made of leather or pig's bladder and was inflated using air or water. The game was played on a field that could vary in size and shape, with no fixed rules or regulations. Games often spilled over into town squares, causing lots of damage to private and public property.

For this reason, the game was outlawed many times throughout its history. The most specific law against medieval football was the Highway Act of 1835, which forbade the playing of football on public highways. However, versions of this game have endured due to their popularity and religious significance.

One of the fascinating aspects of medieval football was its close relationship with religion. The game was often played on religious holidays such as Shrove Tuesday or Easter, and it was a way for the local community to come together and celebrate. Teams represented different parishes or neighborhoods, often separated by some geological landmark like a stream or river. The local priest often blessed the ball, and it was believed that playing the game would bring good luck and prosperity to the community. The game also had an important political significance, with different factions using it to assert dominance over rival groups.

Despite its religious roots, medieval football was a violent and dangerous game. There were no rules other than "no murder," and players were allowed to use any means necessary to score goals. The game often resulted in injuries, with players getting trampled or kicked in the chaos of the game. However, the game remained extremely popular throughout the Middle Ages despite the risks. Allegiance to one's team was similar to modern soccer hooliganism, or, personally, the rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and White Sox.

Medieval football would be the common ancestor to modern sports such as soccer, rugby, American football, and Australian rules football. When one plays the game, aspects from all these sports become apparent. Kicking the ball (soccer), running with the ball and passing to teammates (rugby and American Football), and punting the ball for clearing or passing (soccer and Australian rules football) are tactics and maneuvers used in the sport. This game can feel chaotic and exhausting. Still, with proper precaution and several rule additions and changes, this can be an enjoyable game for your students studying medieval Europe.

Materials:

• A gym or sizeable outdoor play space
  o If you are outside, you will need something to mark the size of the playing

  area

• A kickball or soccer ball

• Jerseys and pinnies

  Prior Knowledge: This lesson should be taught when the students study Medieval Europe. This game could also introduce Rugby, Australian Rules Football, and soccer since Medieval Football is the ancestor of these sports.

Age: All Ages