So magnanimous is Robert Lee that should he win the npower Leading Light Award at next week's Local Heroes Awards ceremony there's a chance he might not want to collect the trophy!

He's one of grassroots sport's unsung heroes as manager, amongst other things, to two Willington junior sides.

But so unseeking in reward for his efforts that wife, Michelle, says he feels almost embarrassed to be recognised for his achievements.

A pillar of football in Willington, Robert has devoted his life to the game, especially since suffering an injury which ended his playing days 11 years ago and since then he's been the driving force in the game at grassroots level.

Having coached both sides since they were aged around ten - on Saturdays he's in charge of the under-18s and the under-17s keep him busy on Sundays - he also performs every role required to keep the teams alive.

In fact, in the mid-90s Willington under-18s would have folded had they not been able to find £500 within a week.

Typically, Robert wasted no time in finding a sponsor and since then the club has flourished.

He now fulfills every role, including: manager, secretary and first aid man, while he also washes the kit, puts the goal nets up, organises half-time drinks, cleans the changing rooms, fills in team sheets and must also attend monthly meetings. Put simply, without Robert, a lot of people wouldn't have a team to play for.

Michelle said: "Although he shies away from any thanks, he does deserve some recognition for everything he does. If someone offered to pay him he's turned it down - he does it for the love of the grassroots football."

Almost to the irritation of Michelle, Robert dedicates every spare hour to his two Willington teams as well as, leaving little time for the couple who, because of Robert's commitments, rarely go on holiday.

With the under-17s and under-18s accounting for the weekends, Robert keeps himself busy during the week with coaching for 9-12-year-olds at Parkside School on Mondays.

During the week he's usually on the phone and meeting with potential sponsors, seeking to collect much-needed club funds while he's also an active member of the Parkside Community Association. Some years ago the Friday evening indoor league that takes place at Willington's Spectrum Leisure Centre was about to close until Robert offered to take over.

One incident, which says a lot about Robert's dedication, came shortly after being forced to quit playing through a serious knee injury which had required an operation. He then bravely undertook the Great North Run in aid of a relative suffering from Spina Bifada.

The run raised around £500 but specialists, amazed he'd been able to complete the run, advised he needed another operation. As a reward, the family of the child benefiting from Robert's generosity awarded him a commemorative trophy which remains a treasured possession.

He doesn't look to earn any remuneration for his efforts, simply gaining great reward in the knowledge that he is setting a good lead through sport to youths hoping for a good life.

Last season the grateful parent of a player under his wing sent a letter of thanks, praising Robert for keeping their child away from trouble and giving him some confidence.

Gary Doig, npower's Community Relations Manager for the North-East said: "It's fantastic to be working in such close partnership with the Northern Echo supporting Local Heroes, rewarding the efforts and achievements of individuals and teams dedicated to the development of grassroots sports.

"Through the introduction of our npower Leading Light Award, we hope to recognise the talents, ambitions and achievements of outstanding local people who work to help grassroots sports to flourish in the community and provide opportunities for local people to participate.

"Robert Lee typifies what we are looking for in a Leading Light candidate. For the past 10 years Robert has been heavily involved in grass roots football, managing and coaching his junior team with great success. On numerous occasions he has been called upon to act as the physio and groundsman. He really is the complete football manager!

"Without doubt a leading light within the local sporting community, his efforts have helped many youngsters to fulfil their dreams on the pitch and lead a better life though involvement in sport.

"As sponsor of the Local Heroes Awards 2003, npower, firmly believes in putting energy into the community it serves, supporting and encouraging people like Robert and everything that he stands for."

Michelle summed her husband up, saying: "He is highly thought of and respected among all of the players, parents and fellow coaches. He is Mr Youth Football in Willington."