Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The questions we get asked the most about ESFL, from registration queries to leagues and fixtures, if you don’t see the answer to your query use the contact form below to ask and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
The league is open to all teams representing either the Police Service, Fire Service, HM Prison Service and NHS.
The Emergency Services Football League (ESFL) was set up in 2019 by two Detective Constables who work for West Yorkshire Police, Andy Smurthwaite and Pete Overton. Both Andy & Pete are involved in the running of West Yorkshire Police FC and are extremely passionate about football.
It was during their involvement in the running of the West Yorkshire Police Team that they realised fixtures were limited and it often proved difficult to arrange games during the regular football season. Each of the respective Emergency Services have their own competition but surprisingly there were none that brought the 999 community together. From here the idea of the Emergency Services Football League was born!
The ESFL aims to bring together the police service, the fire service, the NHS and the prison service in a competitive UK wide league and the only league of its kind in the UK!
All of these emergency services are renowned for having highly competitive teams and this exciting new competition will create regular, flexible fixtures for emergency personnel – who are often unable to commit to regular league due to unsociable working patterns.
The Emergency Services Football League strives to improve the health and wellbeing of those individuals serving in the UK’s emergency services. It is well documented that these professions, although rewarding, carry the burden of being highly stressful with significant risks associated with their undertaking.
Teams wishing to enter the league need to contact the league, either via email : info@ESFL.co.uk or by submitting a registration enquiry which can be found on the home page.
If your teams is suitable to join the league an electronic registration form will be sent to yourself for completion.
Once the season has concluded registration opens for new teams wishing to join the league. Keep an eye out on social media for all upcoming events and important dates.
There is a fee of £150 payable to the ESFL. This fee covers the teams registration and participation in the league.
Verification will be required to confirm you are an employee of the organisation you wish to represent.
Please contact info@ESFL.co.uk using your business/work email address to provide this verification.
Season 2026/27 starts on the 1st August 2026 and the finals day is due to take place on the 7th June 2025
All the teams are split into regional league. Teams will play each other once, with a designated home side being shared equally amongst the ties.
Those sides successfully qualifying from their regional group will compete against each other in a knockout format until the final.
The winning sides from the mens open age, mens vets and women’s competitions will be crowned ESFL National Champions!
Yes, it is the responsibility of each team to have appropriate player insurance to cover your players throughout the competition.
Each team should also have insurance through their county FA. This is obtained at the time of affiliation.
The 2026/26 Seasons Finals Day will take place on Saturday 12th June 2027 at the Sixways Stadium, Worcester.
The ESFL National 5 a side competition sponsored takes place every summer.
Keep an eye out on social media for our next 5 a side competition.