World's Oldest Football Travels to Miami
The world's oldest football has journeyed from Stirling, Scotland, to Florida to be featured during Scotland's crucial World Cup match against Brazil.
The ball, believed to date from between 1540 and 1570, was discovered in the 1970s lodged in the rafters behind the Queen's Chamber at Stirling Castle.
It is currently on display at the Coral Gables Museum in Florida until Saturday and will also be showcased during the Scotland match on Wednesday.
The football has been loaned to the museum by Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, where it is the centerpiece of a collection exceeding 40,000 items.
Historical Significance and Description
Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest external football, the ball is approximately the size of a small melon.
Constructed from thick leather panels enclosing a pig's bladder, it dates back to the era of James V and the young Mary, Queen of Scots, who resided in the chambers as a child.
"Somebody in the 1540s must have kicked the ball quite high into the ceiling and it got stuck.
The timeline aligns with Mary, Queen of Scots residing in the castle and of course it was discovered in the Queen's Chambers.
So we couldn't say for certain, but we like to think that Mary played with this ball."
These remarks were made by Stirling Smith curator Aiofe McKenna, who expressed excitement about the ball's journey to Miami.
Football's Popularity and Historical Context
Records indicate that football was popular in Scotland from the 15th century onward.
"People still enjoyed playing it the same but it was quite a different game, it was very violent.
But that doesn't mean it wasn't popular - it was very popular.
Many of the Scottish monarchs actually tried to ban it because of all the chaos it was causing."
The ball is part of the Florida museum's exhibition titled Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game: From Scotland to Brazil to Haiti.
McKenna added,
"It's really exciting that it will be there for the Scotland and Brazil match.
People often come specifically to see the ball so football fans know it's here.
But we think this will bring its history to a huge number of people who maybe do not know that the Smith held the football."
Scotland Fans in Miami
The Tartan Army has arrived in Miami for Scotland's final group game following a 1-0 victory against Haiti and a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
Scotland supporters are present in Miami for the concluding group match of the tournament.
Broadcast Information
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and , as well as on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 5 Live. Live text updates are available on the app and website.
