Hethersett Receive Prestigious Award

HETHERSETT Athletic received the prestigious National Football Association's Charter Standard Community award at a special ceremony at Park Farm Hotel on Friday, 7th March.

Norfolk FA deputy chairman Stuart Draycup handed over a commemorative certificate and plaque to club chairman Peter Steward and praised the club for what he referred to as an "outstanding achievement" in being amongst the first 100 clubs nationally to gain the award.

Norfolk FA Development Officer Asa Saunders paid tribute to the hard work of everyone involved in running the club, which is one of only two in Norfolk to have achieved what is the top award for grass roots soccer.

A special presentation of match and practice footballs provided by sponsors McDonalds was made to players from some of the younger teams including the under-9s, under-10s, under-11s and under-12s.

"It is a great honour to receive this award which marks the tremendous strides forward Hethersett Athletic has made since the club was founded with just one youth team in 1991. Today we run 12 teams at all ages and for both sexes and next season we are looking to again increase this," the chairman said. 

He urged club members to support a proposed new pavilion for Hethersett Memorial Playing Field. The facility, which will include changing facilities, meeting rooms and catering facilities and will be used by a variety of sports clubs and organisations is due to come before South Norfolk planners at the end of the month.

"The development doesn't have the backing of the parish council and I personally find this impossible to understand as it is a much needed facility for the Memorial Field. I would ask all club members to support it," he added.

The chairman also read out a letter from South Norfolk District Council Cabinet member Jane Mackie praising the club on its success and stating how proud the council is to have such a progressive club within its district.

"It is marvellous to know that the district council is applauding what we are trying to do in Hethersett and that is simply to provide organised soccer for both men, women, boys and girls and for all ages from eight to adult," Peter Steward added.

The photograph at the top of the article shows some of the club's younger players celebrating the award. On the left is club development officer Ray Milne and on the right club chairman Peter Steward.