Football is considered the most popular sport globally, with countless fans passionately following the skills of players as they sprint across the field to score goals against their opponents. But have you ever wondered if someone could reinvent this game in a way that involves less running and more use of engines? Enter a fascinating sport called Moto-Polo, which is similar to traditional football but with a twist: players ride motorcycles on the field, showcasing their football skills while demonstrating their agility and control over their bikes.
You might be surprised to learn that Moto-Polo, despite sounding modern, has a long history. Sources vary on its origins, with some claiming that old videos from the UK in 1927 show early versions of the game. Others suggest that the first recorded match took place in Dijon, France, in 1929 or during the mid-1930s. More than thirty years later, in 1963, the first official game was held in what was then the Soviet Union. Far from being obscure, Moto-Polo has a significant following in Europe, especially in Russia, England, Germany, and France. Matches draw considerable crowds, and the sport is governed by an international federation that organizes numerous annual tournaments, including the European Nations Championship, the French Cup, and the European Club Cup. Russian teams often dominate, though French teams are competitive as well.
Moto-Polo, like any sport, is governed by a set of rules and regulations that resemble those of traditional football but with some modifications. Players can dribble or kick with either foot, but they are not allowed to use their hands or arms, except for the goalkeeper. Matches consist of four quarters, each lasting 20 minutes, with 10-minute breaks in between. The primary difference from traditional football is the use of 250cc motorcycles. Each team has five players, with four riding bikes and one acting as the goalkeeper. Teams also include mechanics for bike maintenance and a coach for tactical instructions. Unlike what you might expect, motorcycle collisions are not permitted between teams, making the sport safer than it might seem. Players are required to wear knee-length boots, leather trousers, gloves, and helmets approved by the sport’s governing bodies for their safety. At the start of the game, players position themselves at the back of the field while the referee drops the ball in the center to kick off the match.
Regarding the equipment used in Moto-Polo, the motorcycles can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h and are specially manufactured in Spain to match each player’s height and weight. They typically weigh between 70 to 120 kilograms and are equipped with full protective gear to prevent collisions, such as rubber guards on footrests and handlebars. Each team carries spare tires. The playing field resembles traditional football pitches, ranging from 75 to 110 meters in length and 45 to 85 meters in width. To protect the goalkeeper, there is a no-entry zone around the goal in the shape of a semi-circle. The ball used is made of rubber covered with leather, larger and heavier than a standard football, about twice the size of a basketball, and weighs approximately 1.2 kilograms.
