Playing by the rules: The Cambridge connection to the invention of football

A new sculpture is to be unveiled in the Cambridge to mark the city's history in helping invent the game of football. Credit: British Pathe

A new sculpture is to be unveiled in the Cambridge to mark the city's history in helping invent the game of football.

The 8 foot granite sculpture will be inscribed with the original rules, which it's thought were developed by students.

Parker's Piece in Cambridge still hosts the odd kickabout. Credit: ITV News Anglia

In the early days of football lots of different rules and regulations were being played.

If you went to a certain school you'd play a certain way, so back in 1848, Cambridge University decided to find one set of rules that everyone could play to in the area.

It was also the moment at which running with the ball was out lawed as well so hence rugby started at Rugby School.

It's thought the first written set of rule for football were written down by students in Cambridge. Credit: British Pathe

When they were agreed. the rules were then put on plaques on various trees in the park to remind players about them.

Now there will be a larger, more prominent reminder of Cambridge's contribution to football.

For years a number of ideas have been kicking about for a sculpture in Parker's Piece and finally a design's been chosen - an 8 foot tall granite block of stone inscribed with the rules. The rules will be written in numerous languages.

A new sculpture is to be unveiled in the Cambridge to mark the city's history in helping invent the game of football.

Click below to watch a video report by ITV News Anglia Dani Crawshaw

The sculpture will take its place next autumn and Cambridge City Council hope it'll become a "significant landmark" recognising the city's contribution to the most popular game in the world.