#1
#1 out of 12
sports1d ago
Uppies and Downies, the medieval football game that has no rules and no time limit
- Workington hosted the Easter Uppies and Downies mass football game, a centuries-old event with no rules or time limits.
- The two teams aim to haul a two-pound ball to their designated goal, with players hailed three times and crowds following the action.
- The event has a long history in Workington, with participation spanning generations and even surviving pandemics.
- Past injuries and four deaths are part of the game’s history, underscoring its dangerous, community-driven nature.
- The community maintains the tradition with family involvement and local pride, even as the game’s chaos persists.
- Spectators have historically followed the mass to various town venues, including a harbour, showcasing the event’s urban footprint.
- The winner is celebrated as the ball is hurled into the air three times amid town-wide cheers.
- Officials paused traffic as players and spectators returned to the pubs for celebrations after the game.
- The event draws attention from media and locals alike, highlighting Workington’s unique cultural identity.
- The article frames Uppies and Downies as a source of ongoing community resilience and identity for Workington.
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