Since these awards were decided, the club has gone on to achieve Charter Standard Community Club status, the highest level of the FA’s kite mark football development programme for clubs.
AFC Sudbury Grassroots Chairman, Clive Golding commented:
‘On behalf of the AFC Grassroots committee we would like to thank the Suffolk FA and The FA for the county and regional awards. The efforts that the staff members have made this season have been immense and we hope to continue to raise the bar in youth development and community activities.’
During the season, in addition to achieving Charter Standard status, the club has developed 2 new teams, supported 16 coaches to become FA Level 1 qualified coaches, appointed a Volunteer co-ordinator, a Schools liaison officer to work with schools to increase participation, and built excellent links with local community groups to provide football and social activities for hundreds of children.
AFC Sudbury Director, Mark Pearman was delighted with the award:
‘This is a monumental achievement for the club. Considering that the grassroots section is still in its infancy, to achieve Charter Standard Development and then Community status within a short period of time is fantastic. This is a tribute to the grassroots committee and everyone involved that we have been considered best in Suffolk and in the whole region.’
Off the field, work has begun on a capital project to re-develop the club’s facilities. This will include new changing rooms and pavilion within the stadium and also changing accommodation and a classroom for the grassroots section. The project will allow the club to deliver its development plan in full to develop more teams, raise standards and to deliver additional community programmes.
Suffolk FA Football Development Manager, Chris Pringle also expressed his delight at AFC Sudbury’s achievements:
‘AFC Sudbury have made giant strides this season. The club has been committed to achieving the goals set out in its development plan, and the momentum created by everyone involved has meant that all expectations have been surpassed in 1 season. We are delighted to see the football development outcomes and the excellent community cohesion which the club has delivered.’