With the Tube handling up to five million passenger journeys a day, people tend to pick out their favourites, and even debate why a certain line is the best.
As this chatter amounts to no real winner, football may just be the way to determine who is the best. Behold the London Underground (LU) and Transport for London (TfL) Football League.
Recognised by the FA, the LU & TFL Football League is played across two divisions, comprising football clubs representing the various Tube lines, buses, the British Transport Police and the Overground.
The league started in the late 1990s and has grown into a staple for TfL employees.
We are getting ready for the new Season 👀… pic.twitter.com/GwJHDWmMER
— LU & TFL Football League (@LULeagueLondon) July 15, 2024
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Peter Crouch recalls watching his dad in the LUL league
In the early years, friendly matches were often organised between the different Tube lines. But in 1993, Andy Anthony approached a TfL director and successfully secured funding for a football pitch.
As interest grew, Anthony established a regular league and cup structure with 10 teams.
The league also has a notable connection to former England striker Peter Crouch, whose father played in the competition. Crouch has spoken about watching his dad in action:
Peter Crouch has played in his fair share of local derbies ⚽💥
They were a piece of cake compared what his Dad’s team faced – the @TFL District/Piccadilly derby! 🚇🤣
Subscribe to That Peter Crouch podcast:
⚽📱 https://t.co/Cbg2GJyDHV pic.twitter.com/sXSzTrzzuN— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) November 16, 2018
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In 1999, a second division was introduced, and two new teams joined: the British Transport Police and London Overground. Since then, the league has garnered a passionate following.
Life of a London transport baller
Balancing a full-time job and one’s passion is already difficult, as Michael Walker, a bus driver for Metroline, revealed after his team, the Overground FC, pulled off a thrilling 5-4 victory against Division 1 leaders Victoria Line FC.
Playing at right-back, Walker helped his side mount a comeback in a feisty game at the Market Road pitches near Caledonian Road.
“It can be difficult because my role is that of a regular router, which means I do early, middle and late. So sometimes I can’t play. I try and swap, but, yeah, it can be difficult.
“There are a few guys who do only early shifts so they can play every game. Sometimes it’s quite difficult to swap, but I’ve got a week off this week, so it was easy.”
Magic of the beautiful game
Beyond the wins, trophies, and bragging rights, the LU & TFL Football League plays a vital role in fostering the community around it.
The tournament has brought people together, helping the TFL employees maintain a sense of work-life balance.
Michael Walker reflected on how the league builds connections:
“In terms of us, the players, we see each other in and around stations and the buses. So obviously you get to meet a lot of new people and obviously, you grow friendships and people you probably would never speak to, you start speaking to. So the impact on the community, it’s definitely good.”
The competition is heating up
This season, the LU & TFL Football League is in for a nail-biting title race across both divisions.
Following their 5-4 win, Overground FC remain third in Division 1, behind Northern and table-toppers Victoria Line. All three teams are level on points, separated only by goal difference.
With six points from three games, defending champions Piccadilly FC sit in fourth place. Meanwhile, recently promoted Elizabeth Line FC and Buses FC, in fifth and sixth respectively, are battling relegation.
The Overground will face Piccadilly on December 17 as the hunt for the championship heats up.
