| North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue football team triumphed over 13 other fire service teams |
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (NYFRS) football section had reason to celebrate on the 24th March 2011 when they triumphed in the “British Fire Service’s Sports and Athletics Association (BFSS+AA)” National 5-A-Side Tournament, which was held at the UK Futsal Arena in Birmingham.
The squad was represented by 8 members of NYFRS stationed across the county. The tournament included 13 other fire and rescue service teams who had qualified through winning their regional finals.
The format for the tournament was two groups of 7 with the top two qualifying for the semi finals. North Yorkshire made it to the final against local rivals Cleveland resulting in a 3-1 win to secure the first football section win in North Yorkshire’s history at this national event.
Following the final Peter Stronach, head of the BFSS+AA, presented the winning trophy to Captain Mike McNaughton who also, deservedly, picked up the prestigious accolade of “Player of the Tournament”.
Manager Matt Bland commented; “The players should be very proud of their efforts, the commitment and desire shown every player was outstanding: they are a credit to themselves and the Service”.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Trowsdale, Chair of the Sports and Social Club for NYFRS said; “This is a fantastic achievement for our football section and the team who thoroughly deserve this win.”