The annual game in Ashbourne, England — with goals three miles apart and no limit on number of players — that dates back to at least 1667 took place earlier this month. It’s Up’ards vs. Down’ards, teams representing each side of the town’s river, which is also part of the field, as are the streets.

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Soccer America Executive Editor Mike Woitalla has written freelance articles about soccer for more than 30 media outlets in nine nations. The winner of eight United Soccer Coaches Writing Contest awards,...