Thursday 27th April 2000 : Cambridge - the birthplace of football?

The Mayor Of Cambridge, Cllr Richard Smith will unveil a plaque on the City's Parker's Piece on Saturday 29th April to mark its little-known status as the birthplace of the modern game of football.

A unique re-enactment football match will celebrate the occasion. The Town v Gown game between Cambridge University First XI and the Zion Eagles, a football club representing the homeless shelters and hostels around Cambridge, kicks off on Parker's Piece at 11am.

The match will be played in period kit according to the original Cambridge Rules of 1863, devised by Cambridge University students to unite the many different versions of the game which had developed. Major public schools such as Eton, Harrow and Rugby had all invented their own sets of rules, causing problems when they came to Parker's Piece to play each other.

In 1863 the Football Association was formed in London "for the purpose of setting a code of rules for the regulation of the game of football". After much discussion the Cambridge Rules were adopted as the FA's official code. They stipulated a game of skill with no physical contact between players, apart from shoulder barging, and no handling of the ball. They led to the formalisation of football as a codified sport world-wide.

The Commemorative match will be watched by a number of VIP guests including representatives from FIFA, the FA, the 2006 World Cup bid committee, public schools, the University of Cambridge and Cambridge MP Anne Campbell. Commentary will be provided by well-known TV football pundit Jimmy Hill. Umpire for the match will be Premier Division referee David Elleray.

At half time the Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Richard Smith, will unveil a special commemorative plaque on Parker's Piece to mark its significance to the development of Football. Members of the public are welcome to attend this historic event.

Souvenir programmes explaining the full history of the Cambridge Rules will be on sale, as will refreshments. This event is supported by a number of local businesses, Cambridge United, the Employment Foundation, the University of Cambridge and Cambridge City Council.