Hethersett Athletic


Hethersett Athletic vice chair Kelvin Sadler and chair Peter Steward receive the pendant for charter club of the year on the left and on the right Mel Perkins receives his administrator of the year award.

Hethersett Athletic has been named Norfolk FA Charter Community Club of the Year.

A special presentation evening at Norfolk FA Headquarters saw the club receive a commemorative pendant. It was also a memorable evening for club secretary and founder Mel Perkins who was named administrator of the year.

Norfolk FA Marketing and Communications Officer James Shelton praised the club for its links with the community:

"Hethersett Athletic was founded in 1991 and today runs 18 teams and has very close links with the local community. In addition it encourages participation from all age ranges and both sexes," he said.

Mr Shelton also highlighted the success of profoundly deaf Hethersett footballer Michael Bates who has been picked for a Great Britain Deaf Football squad.

Tribute was paid to Mel Perkins for his outstanding work in starting the club and developing it consistently over almost 20 years during which time he has made an outstanding impact on local football.

"Tonight is about a celebration and a joyous occasion. Without people such as Mel and clubs such as Hethersett Athletic, football in Norfolk wouldn't be in the healthy position it is in," said Norfolk FA Chief Executive Shaun Turner.