Leisure Leagues are the hat-trick heroes, with a trio of new leagues kicking off in the last two days.

This means upwards of 500 players from around the country are getting vital fun and fitness across the country as we welcome them to the family.

Footballers in the North, South and West of England have been added, with 6 a side competitions starting at Lady Manners School and Sixth Form in Bakewell, Anchorians FC’s brand new pitch in Gillingham and Chipping Sodbury’s Leisure Centre all hosting the first games of the season.

This follows hot on the heels of the recently started Hythe and Leicester community leagues. As the 6 a side game continues to grow at an exponential rate.

A delighted Head of New Business Ellis Alleyne put the growth down to two things: “Without a doubt, January is always a bumper month for us, with people looking to get fit and get rid of the winter blues – but its more than that.

“The 6 a side game is attracting other players too, from the 11 a side game, who are leaving because of the lack of discipline and structure. What we are providing has both of those things and the leagues fit in better with the way people want to live their lives, as it’s easier to fit a game of 6 a side in than a full 90 minute match where you run the risk of injury by ill-disciplined players.

The three new leagues this week, could soon be joined by a clutch of others with Oldham, Ayr, Tiverton and Corby all set to start in the next few weeks.

Ellis said he was excited by the growth and said: “We are proud of what we do and we are proud to be the world’s largest private hirer of community sports facilities. Our message is simple: Wherever you are, we are bringing the game in 2022.”

Find a league near you here: https://www.leisureleagues.net/search