Ex-Premier League & England striker debuts for UK Police Football Team

He swapped boots for body armour in 2020

Author: Ellis MaddisonPublished 7th Nov 2022
Last updated 7th Nov 2022

A former Leicester City and England striker, who spent 18 years in the game before joining the police in 2020, has made his debut for the national police football team.

Tommy Wright first played for Leicester City aged just 17, making his professional debut in the Premier League in 2002.

38-year-old Tommy Wright and force squad club captain is serving as a response officer in South Leicester

Before becoming an officer with Leicestershire Police, PC Wright made 193 professional appearances - scoring 37 goals.

He also played for England at the 2003 Under 19s European Championships and the Under 20s FIFA World Championships, earning 14 caps and scoring five goals.

Shin-pads and Kevlar

Having initially swapped his boots for body armour in 2020, Tommy Wright says he's overjoyed to be able to combine his current and past career.

PC Wright helped the UK Police Football Association to a 2-1 victory against the national police service of the Republic of Ireland - with the match being played at Luton Town.

PC Tommy Wright said: “Being able to combine my previous career with my new one has been amazing and to continue to do something I love means a lot to me.

“To be selected to represent the GB side was a first for me and a great experience to play alongside officers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“I have previously played in two friendlies for the England police team and the target now is to be selected in the squad for the European Championships next year which are being held in England.

“I have been lucky enough to represent my country previously at a European Championships and a World Cup during my playing career so to be selected for the police national side next year and to represent Leicestershire would be an honour and fill me with immense pride.”

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