Those were the principles on which the Emergency Services Football League were built. Two West Yorkshire Police detective constables set out to improve the moral and health of police, fire, NHS and HM prison workers through the power of sport. Andrew Smurthwaite and Peter Overton say "It will increase fitness and help with the wellbeing of the staff. Sport is a massive reducer of stress so teams will see a benefit to this."
There’s no doubt that 999 workers are put under more stress than most, so giving individuals outlets to blow off steam is crucial. Working unpredictable hours can make organising friendly matches with others difficult. The structure of the EFSL is purpose-built to accommodate the needs of its football-hungry players, since teams within leagues organise their own matches around their changing and often-unsociable schedules.
And then there’s the mental health benefits of exercising. It’s no secret that regular physical activity helps with things like anxiety, depression and stress. According to the ESFL, “Emergency services employees that meet the same NHS minimum standards are more positive in mood, have more energy, are more engaged at work and have higher social functioning with fewer coping strategies.” Considering two of the highest sources of sick days amongst emergency workers are stress and anxiety, any way to alleviate them is a welcome reprieve.
The structure of the ESFL is similar to that of the Champion’s League: teams are split across 12 leagues (based on geographical location), and then the best of each go into a knockout tournament stage, playing teams across the country until a winner is crowned.
There’s been no shortage of players raring to go. This season, there’s over 75 teams gunning for the ESFL championship title. It’s presented as a professional league, but its welcoming to players of all skill and fitness levels – just come for the love of the game, and the love of competition.
However, all of this almost didn’t happen: the coronavirus pandemic dealt a massive blow to the ESFL. Lockdowns and social-distancing came into effect before the start of its first season. Hours of planning – building leagues, organising fixtures, constructing web pages and reaching out to teams – seemed as though it was all going to be wasted. Throughout 2020 starting dates were made and continually pushed back, until the season was eventually called off.
The organisers didn’t count on the tenacity and patience of the teams involved, however. “The support we received from our ESFL teams has been incredible, all wanting to help where they could and chomping at the bit to begin,” said Peter. This overflowing passion made it possible to push through uncertain times; they not only continued to recruit teams for a 21/22 season, but also organised a one-day 5-a-side tournament in July 2021. 45 teams – both men and women – joined in, hungry for some football action after a year of missing out.
Finally, in August of 2021, the Emergency Services Football League kicked off in earnest, no more delays or compromises. Now with more teams than ever – all fired up and ready to play – the league is doing what it set out to do almost two years ago. These brave, overworked and stressed-out workers now have a place to forget their worries for 90 minutes and immerse themselves in the joy of football.
“We would like to thank all our sponsors, partners and teams without whom this league just wouldn’t be possible.” Say Peter and Andrew. “A special thanks must go to Motor Source, who were the first company to see the potential of the competition and put their faith in us to deliver the best emergency services competition in the world.”
The pair have mentioned that the ESFL has progressed smoother than they could’ve anticipated, thanks in no small part to each team’s professionalism and organisational skills. They continue to look to the future though; next August they hope to premier the ESFL women’s league, continuing their success and service to the hardworking members of the emergency services.
