MOSSLEY firefighter Gary Phillips organised a first national football tournament for female members of the fire and rescue service.
The tournament, which took 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 took part.
The team from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was managed by Dukinfield’s Renny Tumini who is based with white watch at Hyde Fire Station.
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 was 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, it is to become an annual event with winners Scotland agreeing to host next year’s competition. They received 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.”