The future of Atherstone's most famous event is in "safe hands", the latest custodians of the town's ancient sporting phenomenon believe.

For the next generation of players waiting in the wings to come of age to take part in the 800-year-old Atherstone Ball Game are already being schooled.

The Year 2 PE class at Outwoods Primary School were given a quick history lesson on past heroes of the game by none other than the six-year-old grandson of double champion Gaz Jackson.

Pupil-turned-teacher Jaxon Tweed addressed assembly in the Southlands school gym, talking about one Special One in particular – his grandad's winning exploits in 1976 and 1981.

The youngster also brought along the well-worn leather balls from those victorious years to illustrate the tough side of playing this unique sport.

Jaxon – given his first name Jaxon after his grandather's surname – also mentioned another ball game winner from his family – his uncle Tom Jackson.

New Ball Game secretary Janneen Bernard enthused: "It was wonderful to see Jaxon speaking about the history of the game.

"Introducing the old balls into the talk brought the whole event to life and ensures it has a place in the future for Atherstone."

The Shrove Tuesday ball game – which makes its 821st appearance a week today – is all about tradition.

The first match was played in 1199 when Richard the Lionheart still ruled Merrie England and a bag of gold, wrapped up in a giant leather ball, was pulled from medieval pillar to post as a team from Warwickshire defeated neighbours Leicestershire.

On February 25 at 3pm, ex-Coventry City players Dave Bennett and Kirk Stephens will throw down the ball from the upstairs at Atherstone Conservative Club (the Connie) to mark the start of this year's event.

A new committee is in place and The Connie is a fresh venue for the ball game which attracts worldwide attention and is one of only three left in the UK – the others being in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and Alnwick in Northumberland.

The game always reaches back into its rich history to bring forward another champion to run the event.

And step forward Janneen's husband Rob Bernard – part of six-in-a-row winning side from The Angel which went down in Atherstone folklore – as the new chairman, hoping for a "good game" for the 2020 showpiece event.

He has replaced funeral director David Evans who in turn took over from the game's long-time chief, Harold Taft.

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