
River Football in Bourton on the Water
A bit about visiting Bourton on the Water
Embarking on a Cotswold tour from London to visit Bourton-on-the-Water is a delightful escape from the bustling city. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes by car, covering approximately 84 miles. Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” this picturesque village enchants visitors with its charming stone bridges arching over the tranquil River Windrush. The honey-coloured cottages and lush greenery create a postcard-perfect setting that draws tourists year-round. Bourton-on-the-Water’s popularity stems from its unique attractions, such as the Model Village, Birdland Park and Gardens, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Cotswolds.
Now onto the Football in the Water
On August Bank Holiday Monday each year at 4pm, one of the Cotswolds’ most quirky and iconic events, which attracts media attention at home and abroad, takes place in the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water.
The usually calm River Windrush, which is six to 10 inches deep, is invaded by two teams of players from Bourton Rovers Football Club battling it out for victory in the annual Football in the River match.
The traditional match dates back more than 100 years and attracts hundreds, if not thousands, of spectators who converge on the rivers grassy banks in the picturesque Cotswold village to watch the match.
Setup of the pitch
Goalposts are set up in the river with the pitch approximately 50 metres long by 9 metres wide. The game is usually about 20 minutes each half, depending on the temperature of the water.
There is a qualified referee in charge and proper football rules apply. The players attempt to score as many goals as possible and the only difference is that the match is played in the river.
Spectators come from far and wide to watch the match, and the crowd is usually Rovers’ biggest of the season.
It’s a given that the players get a soaking but many of the spectators also get a drenching.
Some history and the teams
River football match organiser Matt Winter, of Bourton Rovers FC, said: “The game has been played for over 100 years now. Rumour has it that it was started by some men who were bored, so to break the boredom they decided to jump in the river and have a kick about and it’s carried on ever since.
“The teams that play are Bourton Rovers 1st team v Bourton Rovers reserves, so there’s a bit at stake in the bragging stakes. It’s hard work – you ache for days and days after.
“We get average crowds of roughly 2,000 people, sometimes more, when it’s hot weather. It coincides with the Bourton Rovers fete which is on the village green next to the river. The fete has stalls and games for kids and we also do duck racing in the river from 10am until the river football starts.”
The annual river football match, which has been held as long as the club has been in existence, is regarded internationally as a typically quirky British event.
In the last few years it’s been filmed by BBC’s Countryfile programme and also on Channel 5, with TV presenters Adam Henson and Paddy McGuiness both testing the waters to take part in the match.
“We also get TV companies from Germany, Japan and New Zealand turn up nearly every year to film it,” added Matt.