About PSUK

Police Sport UK Ltd (PSUK) is the national organisation responsible for supporting, promoting and governing amateur sport across the UK policing community. Founded in 1928 as the Police Athletic Association and incorporated as a company in 2024, PSUK brings together police forces, sports clubs and national sporting sections to strengthen wellbeing, teamwork and sporting excellence throughout policing.

PSUK encourages participation in a wide range of amateur sports, recognising their vital role in physical, social and psychological wellbeing. The organisation oversees national championships, develops pathways for new and younger participants, and works closely with force sports clubs and partners to widen access to sport at every level—from grassroots to international representation.

Governed by a Board of Directors, PSUK sets strategic priorities, manages national policy, allocates funding, and ensures compliance with company standards and sporting governance. National sporting sections operate under PSUK's framework, organising championships, selecting competitors, and supporting the development of their sport across all affiliated forces.

Membership spans police forces and sports clubs across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and approved non‑Home Office forces. Eligible participants include serving officers, staff, special constables, cadets, retired personnel and vetted police‑support staff who meet PSUK's amateur status requirements.

Through transparent structures, national coordination and a commitment to wellbeing, PSUK continues to champion the positive impact of sport across the policing family.

 


 

 

History of Police Sport & the Police Athletic Association

Police sporting activity dates back to the late 19th century, with records showing that “a Police Sports event had been held as early as 21 July 1894” and that the Police Athletic Club held its first official meeting in 1899. Early development was strongly shaped by Chief Constable Joseph Farndale, whose leadership in Bradford helped establish organised police sport long before a national structure existed.

The origins of the Police Athletic Association (PAA), now Police Sport UK, began in Bradford. In 1925, Farndale approached the Home Office after a call for national police championships. Despite initial reluctance from the Metropolitan Police, the idea gained momentum. By 1927, the Central Conference of Chief Constables agreed to form a national committee, with Farndale elected Chair and Henry Riches of Middlesbrough appointed Honorary Secretary. The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish forces were soon included.

The first National Police Athletic Championships took place on 11 August 1928 at Liverpool, attracting over 300 entries across 18 events from around 20 forces. Bradford City Police achieved notable early success, reinforcing the strong sporting culture within smaller forces. Government support was formalised when the Home Office and Scottish Office donated trophies, and the Prince of Wales became Patron. By the time of the inaugural championships, “fifty-seven local societies were affiliated to the Association”, demonstrating widespread enthusiasm.

The 1949 Oaksey Report reinforced the value of police sport, stating that “organised games and athletics are amenities which are good for the health and morale of policemen” and encouraging investment in facilities. This philosophy has continued to underpin police sport, linking physical fitness, wellbeing and operational effectiveness.

Brian E. Rollings, who served from 1953 to 1991 and later became an Honorary Member of Council, emphasised that police sport must support both elite athletes and those of modest ability, ensuring broad participation and strong morale across all ranks.

PSUK Today

Today, Police Sport UK continues to promote these principles, supporting national championships, encouraging force-level participation and preserving historical sporting records. The long-standing tradition of police sport remains a vital contributor to fitness, morale, teamwork and the wider welfare of the service.


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Police Sport UK - Chair

Police Sport UK (Formerly – Police Athletic Association)

Police Athletic Association

1928 – 1931 MR J FARNDALE. CHIEF CONSTABLE , BRADFORD.
1931 – 1935 MR M J MARTIN. CHIEF CONSTABLE, PERTHSHIRE.
1935 – 1942 CAPTAIN A C DAWSON. CHIEF CONSTABLE, BIRKENHEAD.
1942 – 1947 CAPTAIN H RAWLINGS. CHIEF CONSTABLE, DERBY COUNTY.
1948 – 1949 LT COLONEL SIR HUGH TURNBULL KCVO KBE. COMMISSIONER, CITY OF LONDON.
1949 – 1953 SIR WILLIAM MORREN CBE MVO. CHIEF CONSTABLE, EDINBURGH.
1954 – 1971 COLONEL SIR ARTHUR YOUNG CMG. COMMISSIONER, CITY OF LONDON.
1971 – 1975 SIR JOHN INCH CVO QPM MA LLB. CHIEF CONSTABLE, EDINBURGH.
1975 – 1976 SIR JAMIE FLANAGAN CBE. CHIEF CONSTABLE, ROYAL ULSTER.
1976 – 1977 ARTHUR REES CBE QPM DL MA. CHIEF CONSTABLE, STAFFORDSHIRE.
1977 – 1984 GILBERT KELLAND CBE QPM. ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, METROPOLITAN.
1984 – 1985 ALAN GOODSON OBE QPM LLB. CHIEF CONSTABLE, LEICESTER.
1985 – 1988 DAVID EAST QPM LLB. CHIEF CONSTABLE, SOUTH WALES.
1988 – 1991 SIR BRIAN HAYES QPM BA. CHIEF CONSTABLE, SURREY.
1991 – 1995 SIR WILLIAM SUTHERLAND QPM. CHIEF CONSTABLE, LOTHIAN AND BORDERS.
1995 – 2002 SIR JOHN EVANS O ST J QPM DL LLB. CHIEF CONSTABLE DEVON AND CORNWALL.
2002 – 2003 SIR ANTHONY BURDEN QPM BSC (HONS). CHIEF CONSTABLE SOUTH WALES.

Police Sport UK

2003 – 2005 DAVID STEVENS C.B.E. QPM LL.B CHIEF CONSTABLE ESSEX.
2005 – 2008 ANDREW CAMERON C.B.E. QPM B.A CHIEF CONSTABLE CENTRAL SCOTLAND.
2008 – 2017 STEVE FINNIGAN C.B.E. QPM BA(OPEN) MA(CANTAB) DIPLOMA A.C. & P.S. (CANTAB) CHIEF CONSTABLE LANCASHIRE
2017 – 2023 MATT JUKES, QPM MA(Oxon) MSc. ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER METROPOLITAN POLICEE
2023- 2026 VANESSA JARDINE AND RACHEL KEATON, JOINT CHAIRS
2026 - VANESSA JARDINE, CHEIF CONSTABLE NORTHUMBRIA

 

 

 

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