Isles of Scilly (Cornwall: Syllan or Enesek Syllan, English: Scilly) is an archipelago at the southwestern tip of the peninsula. Cornwallis her Great Britain. Although the Isles of Scilly are part of the county of Cornwall, they have had a separate local authority since 1890. Tourism is an important part of the local economy, along with agriculture. At the 2011 census, the population was estimated at 2,203.

This is what someone will find on Wikipedia if they want to expand their knowledge of the islands. But what he will not find and what makes this place special is that even in this small point they play football. He can teams that claim the title every year should be only … two, but this does not reduce interest and competition, because several times among the spectators there were also big football stars who came to rest.

Two groups wool wanderers And Garrison artillerymen. Apart from the 18 times they meet to claim championship they will play some more for that Cup, V super bowl which are single matches, but also league cup who… duplicate and reached the penalty shoot-out several times.

The Garrison Gunners are 9 points behind the Woolpack Wanderers in the Isles of Scilly Football League – the world’s smallest with just two teams. Luckily, it’s Cup weekend so they can focus on that and their game against… Woolpack Wanderers. pic.twitter.com/Jku2Sw88jf

— Paul Watson (@paul_c_watson) January 27, 2023

A few years ago, the competition was higher, as four clubs fought for glory and the trophy. But population decline islands against 6.8% from 2011 to 2021 and increase in average age residents between 46 and 50 years old, and younger ones looking for their fortune elsewhere, were the reasons that led to the dissolution of two of the four clubs, with

Wanderers and Gunners will stay. All matches are played in garrison field on the largest of the islands, St. Mary’s, with a population of 1,700, both teams meet every Sunday morning between October and Easter.

To some, this may seem ridiculous, tedious or monotonous, but for those who take part, it is an integral part of their lives. “People ask if it gets a little boring and monotonous, but running is good and fun. Many of us are friends and hang out off the field. In addition, the place is very small, ”explains about Will Lethbridge, who grew up on the islands and has been playing in the league for several years and adds: “Of course, everyone knows their opponent, his strengths and weaknesses. There are a few yellows, cards and some nerves in the game, but there is no long-term rivalry, shots or anything like that.

In order to preserve the competition as much as possible and the title corps was not clear from the first matches, at the end of each season, the teams… are disbanded and re-created. This practically means that there are two permanent captains who choose players from among the available ones, and we did little in Alan or at school. In fact, in order to avoid misunderstandings between the players, the selection procedure is kept as secret as possible in such a small and closed society. The annual deck shuffling is also intended to ensure that there are no players “locked” to one team or the other, though some feel they are better at playing one than the other.

The Isles of Scilly Football League is the smallest in the world ⚽️

The league consists of only two teams: Garrison Gunners and Woolpack Wanderers.

They play each other all season long, including two cup competitions, all on the same pitch! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/AoRwztyHLD

— 32Red (@32Red) August 7, 2020

Of course, there are also unexpected moments, as this year the team has relied heavily on the presence of one player, who, however, he found work in Switzerland and left her in a cold bath. According to Will Lethbridge, injuries and illness also play a role, but neither team can build a long winning streak. “However, this year the Wanderers managed to secure the title with four games left in the season, which they celebrated in style with a 2-0 win on March 5,” Lethbridge said.

In such a small community and in a league of just two teams, a lot of unexpected things can happen, even during a game. Some of the municipal cops or firefighters got a call during the races and went on duty. while in another match, a livestock player was informed at half-time that his cows had left and he had to pick them up.

In other cases, one team “loans” players to another to fill the starting line-up, and many games are postponed due to lack of players. The latter is also the biggest thorn in the islands’ football tradition to be able to continue in the future as with players over 16 being forced to move to Cornwall to further their education they are unable to play. “There is always a risk that the league will run out of players,” says Lethbridge. “When people turn 16, they leave for the mainland, so every year we lose about six children. About five or six years ago we only had eight players on the team.” However, there is a downside, when someone older returns to his homeland, he is immediately offered to become a member of a particular group. Naturally there is no age limit for Wanderers and Gunners players. Those who know how to play are either 50 or even 70 years old, as there was such a case in the past. it’s about him Chas Wood, who was also the secretary of the organizing authority.

🇬🇧 Not only is the Isles of Scilly the smallest league in the world with only two teams: Woolpack Wanderers and Garrison Gunners.

The Scilly Isles XI also competed annually with Cornwall’s Dynamo Choughs for the world’s smallest trophy, the 6mm high Lyonesse Cup. pic.twitter.com/grPLG1Pbgs

— Sweeper (@SweeperPod) January 26, 2023

In addition to games between themselves, the two teams also have … international matches, but always at home. It’s about Lyonesse Trophy, fighting her Dynamo Chaux, a team consisting of amateur players from neighboring areas. The trophy awarded to the winner is only one centimeter high. and it has become so famous all over the world that now even FIFA has a copy in their offices.

The league’s reputation has also attracted the attention of major companies to promote their products. How Vodafone which used the island as the base for a 2019 advertising campaign, but also Adidas which was filmed there in 2007 as part of the “Dream Big” campaign. Players love Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Vieira, Anderson, Daniele de Rossi and Ballack they came to the Isles of Scilly to interact with the little footballers, wanting to show that football can be played anywhere while keeping residents delirious with excitement for the duration of filming.

Anyway the smallest league in the world cannot qualify for the Guinness Book of Records, as the two teams registered with the FA as one club, St. Louis, to save money. Mary’s Football Club”, therefore the FA considers the matches held as something family-double, and not official.