Emergency Services Day (999 Day) is a Government backed national day across the UK which takes place on 9th September each year.

It is our chance to show our support for the selfless men and women who work and volunteer in the NHS and emergency services across the county.

To celebrate the selfless dedication we are shining a spotlight on one of the county's affiliated football clubs, the Humberside Police Football Team. In existence for over four years the team is managed jointly by PC Darren Kirkwood and Sergeant Andy Waller with the playing squad open to anyone who serves in the Humberside Police Force.

With the side set to compete in the newly formed Emergency Services Football League (ESFL) PC Darren Kirkwood explained the sides previous playing experience: "We started by playing local teams and charity matches which included tasty fixtures against Humberside Fire Service. We then noticed that the quality of the team was very good with some of our players also playing at a high standard in the in the local area. It was then that we decided to enter the PSUK (Police Sport UK) Cup with the highlight being last year when we reached the last 16 which saw us have an ‘Away Day’ in Glasgow to play Police Scotland. Unfortunately we got beat by a very good side although it was a fantastic experience for many of the lads"

The ESFL is proviing a platform for the nations Emergency Services to play regular competitive fixtures one another for the very first time. PC Darren Kirkdwood said: "The ESFL brings together the emergency services of the UK in a competitive, flexible league – the only one 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 services personnel – who are often unable to commit to regular leagues 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.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the vitally important role that many members of the regions grassroots football play in protecting, and caring for us. Please join us in showing your support for the East Ridings NHS and Emergency Services this Emergency Services Day!