Mumbles Football has been a beloved tradition in the small town of Mumbles, Wales since the 1800s. It’s believed to be one of the oldest continuously-played football games in Britain and it holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbles locals. This post will explore the history and rules of Mumbles Football, as well as its current state today. We’ll also look into why this local game continues to bring people together every year, even after all these years. So if you’re curious about this unique Welsh tradition, keep reading!
What is Mumbles Football?
Mumbles Football is a traditional game that has been played in the small Welsh town of Mumbles for centuries. The game is played on Shrove Tuesday and is said to date back to the 16th century. It is a rough-and-tumble affair with few rules and no referees. The game is played in the streets and everyone in the town takes part, from the youngest child to the oldest man. The object of the game is to score as many goals as possible and there are no limits on how many players can be on each team. The game starts at midday and carries on until dusk. In recent years, the game has been featured on television and in newspapers, bringing this unique tradition to a wider audience.
The History of Mumbles Football
Mumbles Football is a traditional football game that has been played in the town of Mumbles, Wales for centuries. The game is thought to have originated in the 14th century and was originally played between two teams of peasants. The game was played on a field that was roughly the size of a modern-day football pitch, and the goals were simply two stone pillars that were placed at either end of the field. The ball was made of leather and was filled with air, making it similar to a modern-day football.
The game was eventually banned by the English government in the 16th century, as it was considered to be too violent. However, the game continued to be played in secret by the people of Mumbles. In 1866, a group of Mumbles residents formed a club called “The Ancient Britons”, which began playing organized games of Mumbles Football. The club helped to popularize the game and eventually led to its legalization in 1867.
Today, Mumbles Football is still played annually on Boxing Day (December 26th) in the town of Mumbles. The game is now mostly played for fun, but there is still a competitive element to it. The teams are typically made up of family members and friends, and the match usually lasts for two hours. After the game, both teams traditionally head to the local pub for some celebratory drinks.
How to Play Mumbles Football
Mumbles football is a local tradition in the small town of Mumbles, Wales. The game is thought to date back to the late 1800s and is played on a narrow strip of land known as “The Strand” between the two piers at Mumbles Head. The game is played by two teams of six players, with three forwards and three backs on each team. There are no set positions, and players can move up and down the field as they, please. The object of the game is to score goals by kicking or punching the ball into the opponent’s goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.
Mumbles football is typically played on Boxing Day (December 26th), but games can also be arranged for other days throughout the year. If you’re visiting Mumbles during football season, be sure to catch a game!
Local Teams & Tournaments
Mumbles football is a local tradition in the small town of Mumbles, Wales. The game is thought to date back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest forms of football in existence. The game is played on a narrow strip of land between two cliffs, with a goal at each end. The teams are made up of villagers, and the game is played on Shrove Tuesday.
The rules of Mumbles football are simple: the ball can be kicked, carried, or thrown, but it must not touch the ground; there are no set positions, and players can move freely around the field; and the game is won by scoring more goals than your opponents. The game is physical and often brutal, with players frequently sustaining injuries.
Despite its rough nature, Mumbles football is a cherished tradition in the town. Every year, villagers look forward to playing and watching the game, and the atmosphere on match day is electric. If you’re ever in Mumbles on Shrove Tuesday, make sure you check out this unique form of football!

The Rules of Mumbles Football
Mumbles football is a local tradition in the small town of Mumbles, Wales. It is thought to have originated in the late 19th century and has been played ever since. The game is played on a rectangular field with two teams of eleven players each. The object of the game is to score goals by kicking the ball into the other team’s goal. The team that scores the most goals in a match wins.
There are a few simple rules that govern mumbles football:
1. The ball can be kicked in any direction.
2. A goal can be scored from anywhere on the field.
3. There are no set positions for players, they can move around freely during the game.
4. There is no referee, so players must police themselves and call their own fouls .5 Substitutions are allowed at any time during the game, but only for injured players.6 The game is considered over when one team has scored more goals than the other team at the end of regulation time.7 In case of a tie, play will continue until one team scores more goals than the other .8 If neither team has scored after two hours of play, then the match is declared a draw.
How to Play Mumbles Football
In Mumbles Football, two teams of eleven players each compete to get a ball into their opponents’ goal. The game is played on a field with two end zones, and the team that scores the most goals in a set amount of time wins the match.
There are several ways to score in Mumbles Football. The most common way is by kicking the ball into the other team’s goal, but players can also score by carrying the ball into their opponent’s end zone or by catching a pass in their opponent’s end zone. If a team scores a goal, they earn one point. If they score a touchdown, they earn six points.
To start a game of Mumbles Football, each team lines up on opposite sides of the field. One team’s captain kicks off to the other team, and play begins. After each play, both teams line up again and wait for the next player to make a move. The game continues like this until one team scores or time runs out.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in Mumbles to its current status as a beloved local tradition, mumbles football has been an important part of the local community for generations. The rules are simple and easy to learn, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. With each passing year, mumbles football is becoming increasingly popular among locals, who come together not only for the fun of the game but also for the shared sense of camaraderie that comes with it. If you ever find yourself in Mumbles, be sure to join a game or two – you won’t regret it!