Littleover Community School

BBC Young Reporter @ LCS

Royal shrovetide football Game in Ashborne begins!

By: Khaira.


			Royal shrovetide football Game in Ashborne begins!
A thrilling and energetic start to the Royal Shrovetide Football.

An exhilarating football match where two opposing teams really want to win.

What happens in this football game?

This football match is located in Ashbourne, Derbyshire and has two teams the Up’Ards and Down’Ards. The aim of the game is to move a ball to posts at two different ends of the town.

When is this game happening?

A starting ceremony happened at 12:00pm on Shrove Tuesday and is due to end today. Last year the score was 1-1

Do you think it should be held in Ashbourne?

Manal, a year 7 student stated “I personally think it should be held in Ashbourne because there is more open land and more space to play the football match as it is being held in the countryside.”

Charlie, a year 12 student stated “Yes, I think that people should play it because it is a piece of history and it would be a shame for it to be lost. It also brings the town together and creates a sense of community.”

His great-grandfather used to play this event and scored the winning goal. He played for the Down’Ards and has the ancient football still in their house today.

How are the teams doing?

The large crowd made a slow and steady start to the game at 2:50pm, with the opening bursts of energy following Paul Harrison’s amazing throw and the ball glided through the huge, swirling mass of people.

For much of the first hour there was little movement, but suddenly it found its way out of Shaw Croft and onto St John Street.

The Down’Ards wanted the ball in the water so it would give them a relatively clear path. At 3:15pm the ball hit the water at a fast pace.

As a result, the Down’Ards do gain the upper hand. But the Up’Ards can still pull off a wonderful advantage with their huge sense of resilience. All we have to do now is to wait and see the results.

I personally think it should be held in Ashbourne because there is more open land and more space to play the football match as it is being held in the countryside.

Manal a Year 7 student.
Yes, I think that people should play it because it is a piece of history and it would be a shame for it to be lost. It also brings the town together and creates a sense of community.

Charlie a Year 12 student.