Leeds detectives launch UK's first emergency services football league

Detective constables Peter Overton and Andrew Smurthwaite are hoping the new Motor Source Emergency Services Football League will be able to kick off in July - depending on coronavirus restrictions.

Emergency services are renowned for having highly competitive football teams.

But their players are often unable to commit to regular leagues due to unsociable shifts.

Police teams from forces across the country already play in their own national knockout league cup competition in their free time.

Fire service teams up and down the UK also play against each other in a separate competition.

Detective Constable Overton said prison service teams have their own national league, but there is no official league for NHS teams.

Now the two officers, who are based at Elland Road police station, have launched the new league, which will see teams from the four services play against each other in a Champions League style format competition.

It is hoped there will be a total of 48 teams in the league, with 37 already signed up.

Registration is open until the end of April so teams still have the chance to get involved.

The group games are planned to get underway in July with the final planned for June 5 2021.

But the start date will be put back if needed, dependent on what coronavirus restrictions are in place this summer.

Detective Constable Smurthwaite, who came up with the idea for the new league, is the manager of the West Yorkshire Police FC team.

Det Cons Overton, who is one of the team's coaches, said: "We can't wait to get going, we have got some great feedback from other teams as well.

"Emergency services are under a lot of pressure during the coronavirus outbreak.

"I have no doubt this league will help boost morale , increase fitness and improve well-being amongst hard working employees of the emergency services.

"We would like to thank our league and website sponsors, whose generosity and support helped make this possible."

For more information, go to www.ESFL.co.uk and www.facebook.com/esfl.co.uk/

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