Hackney Marshes, the spiritual home of Sunday football – The Marshes were originally true marshland, created by the frequent flooding of the river Lea. Over the centuries the marshes were drained and today the original path of the Lea follows the marshes to the east with the Lee River Navigation bordering on the west. The Marshes are internationally known as the spiritual home of Sunday league football, with 82 football, rugby and cricket pitches located here.