Joint Winners Crowned After Brutal Atherstone Ball Game Opening
James Bernard and Kieran Marshal have been announced as the joint winners of the Atherstone Ball Game, following a brutal opening that saw a two-hour battle for possession of a specially made leather ball in the north Warwickshire town.
Historic 826th Edition of the Annual Event
This year marked the 826th edition of the Atherstone Ball Game, which is held annually on Shrove Tuesday. The game involves players throwing and kicking the ball along Long Street, with the objective of being the last ones in possession. The 2026 game commenced at 3pm and concluded at 5pm, with fracas witnessed within seconds of the start, highlighting the intense and physical nature of the competition.
Not the First Time for Multiple Winners
This is not the first instance of multiple winners in the Atherstone Ball Game. Three years ago, Scott Wright, Lewis Cooper, and Kieran Marshall were all named victors of the competition, demonstrating that joint victories are a recurring feature in this historic event.
Town Shuts Down for the Unique Day
To accommodate the unique day, Atherstone shuts down, with shops and businesses boarding up windows to avoid any potential damage from the spirited gameplay. This precautionary measure underscores the community's commitment to preserving this long-standing tradition while ensuring safety.
Origins in Medieval Football
The Atherstone Ball Game is held each year to honor a game of medieval football that took place between Leicestershire and Warwickshire in 1199. On that historic occasion, the two teams used a bag of gold as a ball, with Warwickshire emerging victorious. This rich history adds depth to the modern-day event, connecting it to centuries-old traditions.
