EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- With Photo

Over the weekend of 25^th and 26^th June, teams from Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Poland, Russia and China will be converging on the City of Edinburgh to take part in the annual Swamp Soccer World Cup.

A crazy and fun filled sport that combines mud and soccer, Swamp Soccer originates from the swamps of Finland. Started by some cross country skiers who were training in the swamps during the summer months, Finland held its first tournament in 1997 with 13 teams. Now this event has become a massive football competition.

The Swamp Soccer World Cup 2011 will be held at Hunters Hall Park, Edinburgh, which will be transformed into a splashable, wallowable, gloriously muddy pitch worthy of true sporting excellence.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh, said:

"We're very much looking forward to hosting the Swamp Soccer World Cup here in Edinburgh - nothing like this has been seen in the city before, although I think our weather has created pretty swamp-like conditions for club and league matches on more than one occasion!  With teams from all over the world expected to take part, these championships will be a great day out and a very memorable experience for participants and spectators alike."

50 teams including notables such as 'Borussia Muddyshoes Beforegettinginthecar', 'The Dirty Half Dozen' and 'Bayern Bru' will be competing for fame, glory and a chance to win the coveted title of Swamp Soccer World Champions  - all while wearing outlandish outfits or creative fancy dress.

And with no offside rule, it's going to get dirty.

Notes to Editors

Stewart Miller is the founder of Swamp Soccer in the UK. Full rules are available online at http://www.swampsoccer.co.uk

Each team consists of 6 players (1 goalkeeper & 5 outfield players). The number of substitutes (and substitutions made during any match) is unlimited.

The offside rule does not apply and kick-offs, throw-ins, corner kicks, free kicks and penalties are taken by using the hands to drop the ball onto a chosen foot. With the exception of penalties, all are indirect.

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk .

SOURCE www.swampsoccer.co.uk