Force table-toppers looking to kick on in 2023

“We’ve always had belief and the talent was always there,” says Inspector Wayne Nimblette, looking ahead to 2023. “We’ve gone from huge underdogs to being feared by most!”

It’s been a remarkable rise for the force’s football team, who were only formed in August 2021.

“It was our first foray into competitive police football,” adds Insp Nimblette, the team’s assistant manager and veterans captain.

The idea to form a football team was the brainchild of Sergeant James Thomas – who manages both the veteran and all-age sides and is compared to Jurgen Klopp by his players.

At first, a string of friendlies against other force teams were organised and eventually they entered the Combined Midlands Police League (CMPL).

“We were considered minnows,” adds Sergeant Thomas. “We found ourselves facing established teams like Nottinghamshire and West Midlands Police.”

Look at the professional game around the world and in almost any country you can find an example of a newly-formed or promoted team who hit the ground running – and it has been the same case for the force side.

After progressing through the group stage unbeaten, they found themselves facing West Midlands Police in the semi-final at Tally Ho. “It was a tense game and went to penalties,” says Insp Wayne Nimblette.

“But, in a shootout you’ve always got a chance and thankfully it was our day.”

In the final they were pitted against Nottinghamshire Police, winning 1-0 to clinch the trophy.

“It was quite a remarkable achievement,” says Sergeant Thomas. “When we formed, we didn’t think that less than a year later we’d be crowned the best team in the Midlands.”

With belief and enthusiasm plentiful – and the hunger for success strong – the team started entering community tournaments.

“That season we beat Leicester Nirvana 4-0 in the Celebrating Black and Asian Referees tournament,” adds Insp Nimblette.

“We won the African Day football tournament, too. We beat four teams on the way to the final. We also beat Warwickshire Police 7-1 in the CMPL Super Copa final.

“Since we formed, we’ve only lost one competitive game of football – against Thames Valley Police when we had a very depleted squad!”

But, perhaps, the most poignant and emotional win came in another win against West Midlands Police.

“Following the sad passing of Simon Cole, our former chief constable, we organised a game in his memory,” explains Insp Nimblette.

“They were the first force he joined as an officer, so there’s a link between the two. We partnered with the charity COPS (Care of Police Survivors) to have their logo on our away shirts. In total, more than £1,000 was raised. When our defence of the CMPL starts next year, we’ll be raising money on their behalf too.”

The side have also taken part in other fundraising events.

“We’ve played against charities like Sands United, which raised money for men who’ve suffered from baby loss,” says Sergeant Thomas. “We’ve also played a game against HMP officers to raise money for Cancer Research.”

Sergeant Thomas has been impressed by the attitude shown by his players. “There’s been incredible dedication and commitment,” he says. “It’s not just the players, but the management committee as well.

It definitely feels like we’ve set an example to others in force.

“The icing on the cake has definitely been our international call-ups. One of our officers, PC Tommy Wright, has played for the UK team against a team representing the Irish police force, while another officer – PC George Robbins – is set to be called up in the new year.”

“Since we formed, the force now has a men’s veterans’ team and are doing very well. We’ve also now seen a women’s team form and hopefully they’ll be able to replicate our success so we’re strong in every league.

“The football committee, which also includes PS 1326 Paul Bird, has welcomed PC 4241 Carl Humby who is helping the women’s football team so that there is a joined-up approach hopefully bringing success to all three teams.”

So, what lies ahead for the team in 2023?

“The all-age team are currently playing in the Emergency Services Football League (ESFL),” says Sergeant Thomas.

“It’s our first campaign and we’ve had some amazing results in our group so far, most notably beating Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service 9-0.”

“Both the veterans and the all-age team have qualified for the knock stages of their respective competitions.”

But the teams are also hoping to go even further beyond the next 12 months. “We’re playing in a national competition, taking place in Barcelona, in 2024,” adds Insp Nimblette.

“It’s a very exciting time for the team and hopefully we’ll have more silverware to bring back to Enderby!”