Trinity win first silverware of football season

The first silverware of the season for the Norfolk Christian Football League (NCFL) went to Holy Trinity’s Under 18 team on Saturday (November 28) when they won the division’s knockout cup, beating Eaton Eagles A in a tense penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw.

 

Earlier in the day, Trinity beat St Peter’s Costessey 2-0 in the semi-final and Eaton A beat Eaton Eagles B, also 2-0.

 

The Under 18s League is a new venture for the NCFL and is believed to be a first for the whole county. The league launch followed on from discussions at both the Norfolk FA and the NCFL about how to bridge the gap between youth football, which ends at 16, and adult football.

 

The league and cup matches are six-a-side and played on Astroturf at the UEA Sportspark between church-based sides from around greater Norwich.

 

League fixture secretary, Tim Stapleford, said: “This new league will form a valuable bridge between our existing Under-16 league and the established adult league. In past seasons, many of the boys drifted away from Christian football competition once they had become 16 and had left school or continued into sixth form studies. We hope this will help connect them with the adult teams.”

 

The second half of the league programme will launch after Christmas with one or two new teams due to be added. Currently vying for league leadership are cup winners Holy Trinity and Kings Church.

 

Any new teams interested in joining the league or playing friendly matches at Under-18 level should contact David Taylor at d.j.taylor22@btconnect.com

 

The fast-growing Norfolk Christian Football League already runs competitions for boys and girls at Under 10 and boys leagues at Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and adult levels.

 

The NCFL was formed more than 30 years ago and in 1995 a youth section was created. Today over 50 teams play in its various competitions.

Pictured is action from the final, including the winning penalty kick, right.