Not for the Faint Hearts

           The Royal Shrovetide Football

Where:  Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England

Every year, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, witnesses the Royal Shrovetide Football match. This is an ancient annual event held on Shrove Tuesday and Ash
Wednesday. Like me, if you're new to the game, you'll surely assume this as a street riot!

To my bad luck the game was scheduled the day I reached Ashbourne and I was shocked at the sight of the crowd as I have never heard about this sport.

The first thing that came across my mind was 'the locals were protesting against the government or against the administration'. However, I was wrong in my assumption. Though I was not a part of this, being a spectator was enough for me to fall in love with the sport.

There are not many rules for this game. The whole of Ashbourne is divided into two teams 'The Downards' (those living on the south side of Henmore
Brook) Vs 'The Uppard's' (those living on the north side) with two goal posts set around 3 miles apart. The only rules are that players are not permitted to kill anyone or make use of a motor vehicle to carry the ball. The final restriction is that you cannot play after 10pm!

Honestly this is a dangerous game where players get seriously injured or even die, but for the adventures inherent, the game is just irresistible!

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