Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, chapter one: Kicking a stuffed leather ball

The first chapter of my history of the game in England starts in ancient China, followed by fights in market towns, and eventually on to the industrial revolution.

Earlier this week, I opened my heart a little about something that happened last year, and how that led to me thrashing out a ‘book’ in the space of about six weeks between April and May. The response was incredible, and I’m delighted to put this up here tonight; the first chapter of Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day. It all kicks off - pun absolutely not intended (okay, maybe just a little bit) - with a quick race through the pre-history of the game, from ancient China to the industrial revolution.