We are pleased to be associated with Norfolk Christian Football League
HISTORY
Way back in the 70's a group of Christian footballers decided to form a Christian league where Christians could play on Saturday and invite non church friends to take part. This being a good way to introduce them to Christian fellowship and eventually to church.
Thirty-five years later it's still going strong with different churches taking part each year. Blasts from the past include Wroxham Road Methodist, Hillcrest Chapel, YMCA, Dereham Road Baptist and Trinity Hassocks.
This season there are 12 churches in Norfolk represented including Heartsease Churches which is supported by Methodist and Baptist churches, good to see churches combining to work in the community.
The aims of the league have not changed and that is to show the love of Jesus through football, by our attitude and by example in all areas. This is often a challenge in a competitive sport, but there is a real difference between our league and the secular Sunday/Saturday leagues, especially in the youth.
The youth league was formed 14 years ago when Tim Stapleford and Alan Barnes were asked if they could start a youth league so lads from Christian families could play on Saturdays and not Sundays. There is no league football on Saturdays now.
Michael Culwick took his lad along to play for Holy Trinity and there Tim asked him to referee the games while he coached. Michael was so impressed with Tim's enthusiasm for youth football but more so with his enthusiasm for sharing the gospel that he stayed on to manage the Trinity youth for 3 years.
There were no teams from the east so the first Witard Road youth team was formed with boys from the Thorpe side of the road, all very nice lads. Michael really wanted a team from the Heartsease estate and passed his boys on to Jim Green from Vineyard church. So we had an all estate team, the same time as the churches started the Drop in centre at the Kabin,
What an eye opener that was! We had three of the biggest rogues on the estate in our team and a real challenge, but we had 4 very good but difficult years with the lads. Michael was very thankful for a very supportive stance from all the other managers whom met monthly for talks and prayer. This made all the difference to us as managers.
For the last 5 years we have only had an adult team playing, but last year with Nick Lewis, Michael started an u12 team, it was good to get back to youth again. With Nick's tremendous enthusiasm for the youth on the estate and football it looks like we could add a new team each year. This year we have an adult team, u14 and u12 teams. Again Nick has knocked on many doors and we have sponsor ship for all teams.
So how can YOU be involved? Firstly pray for the Holy Spirits protection for Nick and Mike, there is a battle of wits but also when you want to speak about God there is a spiritual battle as well. We pray before every game, and most home games we try and give a word of testimony of sorts. Could YOU spare 5 minutes to do this? Share a word with the lads, or the adults. Just come along to support them, there's always parents and supporters to chat to.
Take football away and there is always something else to do on Saturdays.
Take away the opportunity to share what Gods has done for us? There is nothing else that matters more.
Thank you for your support |
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