The Norfolk Christian Football League has presented Lighthouse team manager Peter Skivington with its special Tim Stapleford Award, recognising his contribution to the league community and his commitment to the Christian values at its heart.

The award was presented at the NCFL's recent AGM and is a special recognition given by the league for outstanding service to its community, with particular emphasis on supporting and encouraging its youth provision.

The award is named in memory of the late Tim Stapleford, who played an important role in the development of the NCFL and was a passionate advocate for proactively reaching out to and engaging with young people through football.  Tim recognised the opportunity football provided for churches to step beyond their walls, meet young people where they were and build relationships within their local communities. The award bearing his name seeks to recognise people who continue that legacy.

This year's recipient, Peter Skivington, has become a familiar and much-valued member of the NCFL community through his involvement with Lighthouse church in Sheringham.

Peter regularly represents Lighthouse on the football pitch, often remarkably after completing a parkrun earlier the same morning. However, it is his attitude towards those around him, rather than his sporting stamina, which led to his recognition.  Known for his friendly and encouraging approach to players from both his own team and the opposition, Peter was selected as someone who demonstrates the values the league seeks to promote through Christian football.

NCFL Chairman Tom Horsfall said: “The Tim Stapleford Award is particularly special to us because it isn't about league positions, goals or results. It recognises somebody who demonstrates what we want the NCFL to be about: serving others, encouraging people and connecting the Church with its community.

“Tim had a real heart for reaching young people and understood that football could open doors and create relationships that might never otherwise exist. We want his legacy to continue through the work of the league.

“Pete embodies so much of that spirit. He is friendly, encouraging and positive towards everyone around him, regardless of which shirt they are wearing. He is exactly the sort of person we want young players within our league to encounter.”

The NCFL provides football for both adults and young people across Norfolk, with churches and community organisations using the game as a way of developing relationships and demonstrating Christian faith through practical involvement in their communities.

For the league, the Tim Stapleford Award is an opportunity not only to recognise an individual but also to remember why its community and youth work exists.  By celebrating people who demonstrate the same commitment to others that Tim championed, the league hopes his passion for reaching the next generation will continue to influence Christian football across Norfolk.