We are proud to present the 2024 Special Recognition Award to Phillip Skayman, founder of Hughsie Charity FC, whose tireless dedication to football and charitable causes has left an indelible mark on the Lincolnshire community.

Phillip’s journey began in 2009, when he tragically lost his best friend, Adam Hughes, known as “Hughsie,” to Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS). Determined to honor Adam’s memory, Phillip set out to raise awareness and funds for SADS UK through football, and in 2010, he founded Hughsie Charity FC. Since then, the team has competed in over 500 matches and raised more than £30,000 for various charities, including £17,000 for SADS UK.

Hughsie Charity FC has grown into a thriving FA Accredited club with three registered teams and over 100 adult members, with hundreds more having played for the team over the years. Phillip's vision for the club extends beyond football, as he is now working on launching a junior section and creating open adult football sessions that include mental health awareness discussions after games. His commitment to mental health is part of a broader effort to support the well-being of those in the community.

Phillip’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was honored with the prestigious Lincolnshire Council Citizen of the Year award, acknowledging his significant contributions to both football and the wider community. He has also collaborated with a local secondary school and Lincolnshire FA to enhance football facilities for school children and community groups, helping to create a lasting legacy.

In addition to his football-related efforts, Phillip has taken on extreme challenges to support charitable causes. In 2008, despite not being a natural athlete, he ran the London Marathon in memory of Adam and in support of SADS UK. His latest challenge saw him embark on a three-week, self-funded trek to Everest Base Camp, facing grueling conditions and battling altitude sickness, all to raise funds and awareness for SADS.

Phillip's devotion to making a difference goes beyond football. He balances his full-time job, raising a young family, and coaching his daughter’s under-12 football team while continuing to work on community projects that benefit countless individuals. Phillip’s selflessness and commitment to charity have undoubtedly made a difference to many lives, often to people he has never met and never will meet.

The Special Recognition award is sponsored by Pygott & Crone. Celebrating 33 years at the forefront of commercial and residential agency in the UK, Pygott and Crone are a multi-award winning independent Estate Agency and Chartered Surveyor practice specialising in all aspects of property and land. 
 
They aim to provide unrivalled, honest and trusted advice whilst continually exceeding the expectations of their clients through their unique structure that puts a team of support behind every client; including local expertise with national coverage whilst continuing to set new standards. 

 Their services include: 

• Commercial & Residential agency.
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They are keen to explore new relationships, and their team are on hand to help and assist through the process.

Lincolnshire FA is honored to recognise Phillip Skayman’s extraordinary contributions with the Special Recognition Award. His unwavering dedication to football, charity, and community is an inspiration to us all.

Nick Hanson, CEO of Lincolnshire FA, said: "Phillip’s dedication to both football and charitable causes is nothing short of extraordinary. His tireless efforts through Hughsie Charity FC have not only raised vital funds and awareness for SADS but have also created a positive, inclusive community around the beautiful game. Phillip’s selflessness, passion, and resilience are an inspiration to everyone in Lincolnshire, and we are incredibly proud to recognize his contribution to football and society with this award."

The Lincolnshire FA Grassroots Football Awards Ceremony is set for Friday 18th October 2024 at Forest Pines Hotel, Spa, and Golf Resort. 

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