This article appeared in the Eastern Daily Press newspaper in May 1999

Ambitious Hethersett Athletic Football Club are building for an even brighter future.

Chairman Peter Steward said at their first ever presentation evening that the club continued to expand with seven teams this year and the possibility of two more for the 1999/2000 season.

For the first time this season the club ran a girls' team. Other sides played at under-11, 12, 13, 15, 17 and adult levels.

"Our aim is to provide football in the village for all ages from 10 up to adults," said the chairman.

"We would also love to start a mini soccer section for youngsters under the age of 10."

The season has been a very successful one on the playing front with the under-11s, managed by Mark Kerr, becoming the first side from the club to win a league championship.

They topped the B Division of the Norfolk Youth Combination. The under-17s wre runners-up in their section.

"It has been a first class season on the playing front, but one tinged with tremendous sadness with the tragic death in a road accident of under-17 player Lee Thompson," said Steward.

One of the most poignant parts of the evening was the presentation of a shield in Lee's memory.

The Lee Thompson Memorial Shield was presented by Lee's father Ray to captain of the under-17s Chris Steward.

Under-17s manager Ian Harrison said:

"Following Lee's death I couldn't see the point of continuing, but the lads talked me into going on and their support, enthusiasm and discipline over the season has been remarkable.

Nobody has reflected these attributes better than Chris."

There was also a special mention for under-12s player Daniel Musson who broke the club's scoring record with 40 goals.

A number of special player-of-the-year awards were made during the evening.

These went to: