Over 120 invited guests gathered in the Sir Bobby Robson suite, as Hospital Radio DJ Tim Ward kicked off the evening.
The following hour witnessed memorable scenes as the lifeblood of football, its immensely hard working volunteer workforce, were rewarded in a multitude of ways with a variety of well deserved awards being presented.
From David Routh and Michael Ellis who both received the coveted 50 year FA Long Service from David Sheepshanks, to Amy Trenter and Ben Atkins who were young Volunteer Award Winners, every recipient thoroughly deserved recognition for the vital role that they play within local football.
The second half of the evening was dedicated to the launch of the Suffolk Football Plan 2008-2012, with Suffolk FA presenting its aim and aspirations for the next four years. More details on the Suffolk Football Plan can be found here.
Suffolk FA Chief Executive, Martin Head, was delighted with the evening’s event saying, “I am very pleased and proud of the way the was event planned and implemented. The staff, Chris Pringle (County Development Manager) and James Payne (Football Administration Manager) in particular, responded superbly and all have contributed. I believe this event has enhanced the reputation of Suffolk FA. The ultimate satisfaction is seeing these people rewarded for all time, effort and commitment they give to this wonderful game that we all enjoy so much”.
A full list of all the evening’s winners can be found below;
FA Long Service Award Winners - Presented by David Sheepshanks
Michael Ellis
David Routh
Referee Academy Awards - Presented by David Sheepshanks
James Ager
Jonathan Block
Ollie Davies
Ashley Woof
FA Referee Continuous Service Awards - Presented by Ed Stone
Mick Leeds (40 Years)
John Harris (40 Years)
Brian Lennon (40 Years)
Martin Stiff (40 Years)
Brian Hartington (50 Years)
Peter Miller (50 Years)
Charter Standard Awards - Presented by Mick Pearce & Chris Pringle
CS School
Beccles Middle School
CS Community Club
Kirkley & Pakefield FC
CS Development Club
Brandon Lads & Lasses FC
CS Youth Club
Bacton United 89 Youth FC
CS Adult Club
Needham Market FC
CS Coach
Mike Bacon
CS Administrator
Julie Beecroft
Suffolk FA Fair Play Awards - Presented by Peter Cocker
Saturday Winner
Sporting 87 Reserves
Saturday Runners-Up
Sporting 87 ‘A’
Royal Standard
Sunday Winner
New House
Sunday Runners-Up
Kelsale Social Club
Red Herring
Football Volunteer Workforce Awards
Adult Winners
Mary Ellis
Mervyn Durrant
Youth Winners
Ben Atkins
Amy Trenter