The first President of the Association was The Duke of Hamilton, his Presidency ran between 1885 and 1894.
There were 41 registered referees shown in the County handbook for the 1903-1904 season, the figure in today’s book is over 400. In the same 1903-1904 handbook there are 100 clubs shown, that were affiliated to the Association, today’s figure is over 600.
In 1898 a County Fixture was held against Aston Villa, who at the time were the previous season’s F.A. Cup Holders, the gate for this game was £238 5s. 4d. in comparison the Senior Cup Final of 1905 realised a gate of £48 12s. 6d.
1907 - 1914 saw the years of “the split” when there were two associations, one affiliated to the F.A. and the other to the A.F.A. In 1914 the F.A. and A.F.A. effected a compromise which resulted in the association being again a harmonious and united body.
On 20th March 1935 Suffolk County Football Association held its Jubilee celebration, amongst the guests was Stanley Rouse, later to become Sir Stanley. It was reported in the programme for this celebration that over the previous fifty years the progress on interest in the game had been ‘wonderful’ and that there was hardly a village which did not possess a football club and that practically each town had its own charity competition.
Again interrupted by war during 1939-1945 the County F.A. started the era after World War II with J.W. Yallop continuing as Hon. Secretary, a post he held since 1919 and would continue to hold until 1960. In addition to J.W. Yallop the County has only had four other Hon. Secretaries since the Second World War, E.A. Brown, B.A.H. Collings, W.M. Steward and Martin Head. E.A. Brown was made a life member of this association in 1980 and its President in 1986.
A Centenary Banquet was held at Ipswich Moat House on September 30th 1985 to celebrate its 100th birthday. Sir Stanley Rous, C.B.E., Hon. President of FIFA and Hon. Vice-President of the Football Association, proposed the toast to the SCFA.
The Suffolk County Football Association became a Limited Company in 2000.
For the first time in its history in April 2001 the County F.A. appointed two full time employees, namely Will Cook, County Development Officer and James Payne, Clerical Officer, and both gentlemen were installed at the new County FA office at Felaw Maltings in Ipswich.
In April 2003, the Association moved its Headquarters to purpose built offices in Stowmarket; which were officially opened by FA Vice-Chairman Ray Kiddell. In July 2003, Martin Head became the first salaried Secretary in the Association's history.
Suffolk defeated Hampshire 2 - 1 at Portman Road, Ipswich in 2005 to win the FA County Youth Cup. This was actually our first ever Cup Final appearance.
Suffolk's 2nd FA County Youth Cup Final appearance was in April 2007. Suffolk drew 1 - 1 with West Riding after extra time at Valley Parade, Bradford. However, West Riding won the match 4 - 3 on penalties.
In 2006, all disciplinary administration transferred from volunteers to staff at the Association's HQ.
In 2012 the County FA's Transformation Programme was implemented which has streamlined the Board of Directors, removed the previous Committee structure and will elect a Council more representative of Suffolk football.
