MOSSLEY firefighter Gary Phillips has organised a first national football tournament for female members of the fire and rescue service.
The tournament, which takes place at the Manchester Tennis and Football Centre at Sportcity on Wednesday, October 12, was the idea of Gary, a watch manager at Mossley.
Teams from 14 fire and rescue services from as far afield as Scotland and Cornwall will be taking part.
Gary, who is treasurer of the football section at FireSport Uk, said: “I was keen to promote female firefighters and the excellent work they do.
“I noticed there was not much football for female colleagues. I have had a great career and great football with the fire service and, as I near retirement, wanted to give something back.
“And hopefully it will inspire girls to look at a career as firefighters.”
The fire service’s recruitment department will be represented on the day between 11am-4pm for anybody wanting to learn more about a career in the fire service.
Gary added he was “overwhelmed” by the number of teams wanting to enter and he has had to turn away many.
And judging by the response, he would like it to become an annual event.
The winning team will receive the Fleur Lombard Trophy in memory of the only women firefighter to be killed in peace time Britain.
“I joined the fire service in 1993, the same year as Fleur did, so her death in 1996 struck a chord and I have never forgotten her,” he said.
“Avon Fire and Rescue Service were delighted I had remembered her and want to honour her memory. It was the right choice to name the tournament after her.”