Wild in the Streets

Documentary on the ancient, brutal English game of Shorvetide Football - still played today in Ashbourne, England and the forerunner to soccer, rugby and American football. Narrated by Sean Bean.

On Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday the people of Ashbourne gather annually to partake in the "longest running sports rivalry on earth", played since at least the 12th century. The teams originate from two medieval communities, today known as the Up'ards and the Down'ards. The game itself is pretty simple: get a 4-pound ball to one of two goals separated by three miles. Each team consists of hundreds if not thousands or people, the ball can't be carried by motorised transport, the field is the town itself (out of bounds is reserved by cemeteries, church property and memorials) and there are no referees. 

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