Football played on motorcycles
March 27th, 2007 | View blog reactions
Yes, I mean soccer, but here in Europe it’s called football. But this game is called motoball, and is football (soccer) played on motorcycles. Sounds pretty dangerous doesn’t it.
Bob over at TheOffSide wrote an exellent post on the phenomenon, and as he mentions:
“Each team has four motorcycle riding field players and one keeper who sadly is no longer allowed to ride a motorcycle too because this proved to be a bit too psychotic for the sport’s own good.”
Imagine that. The keeper charging the attacking players; must have caused some serious crashes.
Here’s a video of the game being played. Those guys drive in and out between each other like a school of fish, pretty amazing.
And here’s a longer documentary that takes a deeper look at this weird sport. Unfortunately it’s in german, but still gives a pretty good impression.
Hello
How do I get into the game?
Tayla Dillon
I don’t really know, Tayla. Seems to be popular certain places in Germany. I suggest searching your local motorcycle forums, and asking if anyone is playing in your area.
This game actually originated in England and by 1926 had been imported to Germany, where it is discussed in the German Motorcycle Fedation’s magazine (DMV), “Motor-Rad-Sport, Verkehr und Technik”. Coventry seemed to have the most successful motorcycle football club between the wars. And according to the description I have from 1926, it was played ith 6 players and according to this description the goal keeper supposedly had no special priveleges (i.e. was not allowed to use his hands!)
My dad played motorcycle football for england in 1949….his name was Tom Powles and I have photographs of him on the field, with the rest of the team, and being presented to Prince Philip…I think my dad was Captain but know very little else. I do know they played Sweden and I have a silver plaque that was given as a momento……does anyone else have information about the game ?
Hi there.
I was looking for pics of my team playing when I came across this page.
I actually play for the Hayes and South Hall Motoball team one of the two remaining official teams in England. We as a club are trying to promote the sport by putting on display matches at various BMF shows around England.
If anyone is interested in starting it up or looking to start there own team up I’d be more than happy to help pass on the relevant info on what to do.
Also if anyone reading this is based in the south east we are putting on a display at the Essex country fair at Barleylands farm on the 8th & 9th of September.
My Grandfather played for the Coventry Aces between the wars. I have managed to find some footage of the team on Britishpathe.com but would love more information from anyone who knows. We have several of his cups from football and speedway and pictures of him with the team. I would love any information anyone can provide…
I would like to start a league in the US. Any info and video would be really appreciated.
My email is splinter@billyhill.com
We do a version of this in Arlington, WA. We use TL125’s, and it’s not quite as violent as the German game, but it’s hella fun and intense nonetheless.