More than 500 people began their 6 a side journey last night as three brand new leagues kicked off on a very special Monday night.

Footballers as far apart as Shropshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire came together and got physical again as leagues kicked off in Derby, Shrewsbury, and Morecambe.

Neil Manship FC in the Derby league were perhaps the pick of the new teams as they thumped Not So Hotspur 11-2, and there is no doubt that their star man Joe was probably the man of the match in the entire country as he smashed in a magnificent seven goals.

Further north, Brew House 7 laid down an early marker as the team to beat in Morecambe, taking the lead in the Bay Leadership Academy competition, as they were made of the “Wright Stuff” – hat-tick hero (appropriate for this night of Monday night football) Tommy Wright leading them home 7-2 against Unathletico Madrid.

Things were little more sedate in the Shrewsbury league, as it kicked off at London Road Sports Centre, although Ethan Kinsey inspired his lads, The Boys to a 4-1 victory against Broke Back Boys, who sit bottom.

Leisure Leagues’ Head of New Business Ellis Alleyne, paid tribute to everyone involved, as he said: “It’s fantastic. It’s not just about the winning teams, rather it’s about sport for all. It is so good to see everyone playing, many of whom haven’t played since school and many of whom maybe haven’t been part of a team before. We look forward to these leagues being a vital part of their communities in the way that so may of our other leagues have been.”

There have been hundreds of leagues that have kicked off in the last 12 months, with more than 20,000 players being added to the network since lockdown ended.

More are starting all the time. Click here to find the nearest one to you.

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