Ex-professional footballer turned cop makes debut for national police team

A former Leicester City and England striker, now a serving Leicestershire officer, has made his debut for the national police football team representing Great Britain.

PC Tommy Wright helped to secure the UK Police Football Association 2-1 victory against the national police service of the Republic of Ireland - known as the Garda Siochana Football Association - on Wednesday 2 November at Luton Town Football Club.

Having made his professional debut in the Premier League with the Foxes in 2002 at just 17, PC Wright went on to make 193 professional appearances - scoring 37 goals.

PC Wright also played for England at the 2003 Under 19s European Championships and the Under 20s FIFA World Championships, earning 14 caps and scoring five goals.

After retiring from the game, he went on to become a coach and manager before joining the force in 2020.

When a new Leicestershire Police men’s football team started in the summer of 2021, PC Wright jumped at the chance to represent the force in a sport he had previously spent nearly two decades being a part of.

He said: “A special mention must go to Sergeant James Thomas for setting up the side and also to the players who have already won five trophies. I was made captain of the team this season which fills me with so much pride - leading such a successful side and great group of men.”

After a season playing in the force squad, the 38-year-old who is currently serving as a response officer in South Leicester, was then selected to play for the police national team.

PC Wright added: “Being able to combine my previous career with my new one has been amazing and to continue to do something I love means a lot to me.

“To be selected to represent the GB side was a first for me and a great experience to play alongside officers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“I have previously played in two friendlies for the England police team and the target now is to be selected in the squad for the European Championships next year which are being held in England.

“I have been lucky enough to represent my country previously at a European Championships and a World Cup during my playing career so to be selected for the police national side next year and to represent Leicestershire would be an honour and fill me with immense pride.”