ASHBOURNE SHROVETIDE FOOTBALL. THE MADDEST FOOTBALL GAME IN THE WORLD

The ball is thrown into the game from the "plinth"

Have you got any possibility to go to Ashbourne, England, next Tuesday? If you can´t, don´t worry. We´ll explain to you what happens at this small town in England every year on Shrove Tuesday.





The River Henmore is part of the pitch

You have probably seen some images on news bulletins on TV. Since the 12th century, hundreds of men, divided into two teams, try to catch a ball that is thrown into the town square. The goals are two mill stones and the pitch is the town, the fields and very often the river which crosses the town.



Players must catch the ball to score a goal for their teams

The river is precisely the line according to which the two teams are selected. They are the Up´Ards if they are born north of the river and the Down´Ards if they are born south.



Even Prince Charles has visited Ashbourne

The players can kick, throw or carry the ball. The teams push and fight. Teams form a scrum. Once they reach the goal, they must hit it three times with the ball. A goal signs the end of the game.

The rules of the game are clear:

-Committing murder is prohibited. Unnecessary violence is frowned upon.
-The ball may not be carried in a motorised vehicle.
-The ball may not be hidden in a bag, coat or rucksack, etc.
-Cemeteries, churchyards and the town memorial gardens are strictly out of bounds.
-Playing after 10 pm is forbidden.
-To score a goal the ball must be tapped 3 times in the area of the Goal.

Here you have some videos that can let you have an idea about how the game carries out. And remember, if you have nothing better to do at this time next year, go to Ashbourne. There, you will discover the maddest face of football.