We’ve waited four long months to say it, but Leisure Leagues were back up and down the country last night.

Players from Kendal to Weston, from Redditch to Ashton, and everywhere in between were back, doing what they love with their mates, and just a little more normality returned to people’s lives.

The return to football – a week before our FA affiliated smaller competitors – saw goals all over the place, Bolo Boys caught the eye in Kendal with a 9-1 thumping of Top Bins in the Premier League.

Not only was it the first day back after the Covid lay-off, it was also the first night of the season up in the Lakes and Moleciester City squeaked home by the odd goal in five against Slightly Athletic to take one of the early promotion spots.

Perhaps the biggest winners of the leagues return were Le Saux Solid Crew in Redditch who thumped Redditch Warriors 14-0 in the Midlands.

In what might be the longest 100% record in the history of Leisure Leagues, The Good, The Bad And The Ugly  made it four wins out of four – a run that stretches back to February – with a 7-0 thumping of Academicals in the Weston Sunday league.

As Manchester City were finishing off their season at the Etihad, just up the road at Curzon Ashton FC, Ballerz FC were easing themselves to a 3-0 victory against You Win Some You Lose Some You Booze Some.

We’ve saved the best for last, though. And the Halifax Sunday league at 3GI Soccer’s return was perhaps the most goal-filled night in the history of Leisure Leagues.

Argentina Turner dismissed Moorside United 19-0 to stay top after 11 wins, to stay six points clear of Pique Blinders – who themselves were fine winners. 11-1 against Ovenden United. The third placed team Galworth FC would have created the headlines in any other week, as they saw off Murder on Zidane’s Floor 8-2 and not to be outdone, there was 10 goals shared in the other game too as The Wibbles moved themselves up to mid-table by beating Queeny FC 6-4 -a defeat that keeps the losers bottom.

More leagues start up every night this week, with the likes of Gillingham, Aldershot and Spalding kicking off.

To find the league near you click here.