ASHBOURNE, ENGLAND — Every year, the quaint town of Ashbourne in the English countryside comes alive with a unique and ancient form of football. For two days, the town is transformed into a bustling arena where hundreds of players compete in a mass street game that has been a tradition for centuries. This is Royal Shrovetide – a game that may look like a riot to the untrained eye, but is actually a beautiful and thrilling display of athleticism, strategy, and tradition.
The game is played between two teams of hundreds of players, with the aim of scoring a goal at either end of a 5-kilometer sector that spans through rivers, hedgerows, and even high streets. The ball, which is the size of a large pumpkin and filled with cork, is thrown into a crowd of players, and the chaos begins. It may seem like there are no rules in this game, but there is one important rule that has been in place since the 1600s – no murder.
Yes, you read that right. In this ancient form of football, players are forbidden from murdering each other. This may sound extreme, but it speaks to the intensity and physicality of the game. Good players need to be tough, aggressive, and authoritative. Many players come from a background in rugby or boxing, which gives them an advantage in this rough and tumble game.
But despite the physicality, there is a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among the players. They may be competing against each other, but they also share a deep respect for the game and its traditions. And while there are no official uniforms, players often wear their own jerseys, adding a colorful and unique element to the game.
Royal Shrovetide is not just a game, it is a source of immense pride for the people of Ashbourne. The town is split into two halves – the “Up’ards” and the “Down’ards” – based on which side of the River Henmore players are born on. This adds an extra layer of excitement and rivalry to the game, as players are not only representing their team, but also their side of town.
For two days, Ashbourne is transformed into a lively and bustling town, with streets lined with colorful bunting and spectators from all over the world. The event is a major source of tourism for the town, with visitors coming to witness this unique and thrilling spectacle. And while the game may seem chaotic to the uninitiated, there is a sense of order and tradition that runs deep within the event.
The game begins with an opening ceremony in the town’s car park, where the national anthem and Auld Lang Syne are sung. Players are reminded that they play at their own risk, as injuries are not uncommon in this physical game. Then, the ball is thrown into a “hug” of players, and the game begins.
As a spectator sport, Royal Shrovetide can be confusing at times. With so many players and the ball constantly moving, it can be difficult to keep track of the action. But that is part of the charm of this game – the unexpected and unpredictable nature of it. Spectators often stand on bins, walls, and park benches, trying to catch a glimpse of the ball as it makes its way through the town.
One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the element of deception and cunning. Players often use strategy and trickery to outsmart their opponents and gain an advantage. This adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the game, as spectators try to decipher the players’ moves and anticipate the next goal.
And when a goal is scored, it is a moment of pure joy and celebration. The scorer is carried on the shoulders of their teammates, paraded through the town, and celebrated like a hero. For them, it is like winning an Olympic gold medal. They are also given the honor of keeping the ball, which is repainted and becomes a treasured family possession.
But for the people of Ashbourne, the real treasure is the game itself. It is a tradition that has been passed down for generations and is deeply ingrained in the town’s identity. For them, Royal Shrovetide is not just a game, it is a way of life. It brings the community together and instills a sense of pride and belonging.
As Janet Richardson, a 75-year-old resident of Ashbourne
