Since the late 19th century, workers, local clubs and Sunday league teams have met on the Hackney Marshes. At its peak, more than 100 games were said to take place here on a single weekend. There are fewer today, but still every Sunday plenty of players show up, turning the open plain into a patchwork of pitches.

No matter the weather, or the effects of a Saturday night out, they come to compete and give it all. Many do not train during the week, they just turn up on a Sunday and keep one of London’s oldest football traditions alive.

In this personal series, Freya focuses on the players, the intensity of the games, and the moments that make Sunday football on the Marshes so special.