On Ash Wednesday the year 12 A level PE group travelled to Derbyshire to watch the annual Shrovetide Mob Football game on a gloriously sunny day. It is part of the history of sport part of the course that looks back at traditional festivals and activities that took place in pre-industrial Britain. Mob football dates back hundred’s of years and now only played at a few places around the country and the traditional in Ashbourne is very strong and the game is as it has been for many years. It certainly has to be seen to be believed as the goals are 3 miles apart and the town is split in to Up’Ards and Down’Ards who compete against each other from 2.00pm – 10.00pm on both Shrove Tuesday and then again on Ash Wednesday. There are limited boundaries and rules and it is a hard fought game with local pride on the line each year. This year the Down’Ards won the game 1-0 which is the first time they have won in four years. The students enjoyed the long day out and it will certainly give them stories to tell in the future.

Mr Burroughs