Market Drayton answer Battalion's call

The ESFL brings together the emergency services of the UK in a competitive flexible League - the only one of it's kind in the UK. The ESFL will provide flexible fixtures for emergency services personnel - who are often unable to commit to regular leagues due to unsociable working hours.

The 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment FC recently made a public appeal for assistance in hosting their evening games.

MDTFC Chairman Mick Murphy: "We are most fantastically proud that their Football Club have accepted our offer of providing the MDTFC facilities to host their games, it further endorses the strong bond that exists between the Regiment and the town of Market Drayton; it promises to be a great partnership of football clubs.”

The 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment have become a much loved integral part of the town of Market Drayton, having been granted 'The Freedom Of The Town' in 2012; and as such MDTFC were proud to be associated with the Battalion.

1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment FC tweeted: “110% thank you to the other area teams that had offered their facilities. We had to go to our local community and local grassroots team.

“Any other team within @ESFL20 hoping to use local facilities in their area, get your message out there are outstanding Chairmen out there like ours (at Market Drayton).

Meanwhile, Market Drayton Town are to launch a charity trust aimed at growing links with the community by giving young people a unique opportunity to develop sporting and social interests.

The objectives of the Market Drayton Town Football Club in the Community Trust are to promote healthy recreation, act as a resource for young people and help them to develop their skills and advance in life, and provide leisure activities in the interests of social welfare.