Hethersett Athletic

Joe epitomises the exuberance of youth at the club, taking on the role of coach and manager of the new Under-11 girls team. He has worked tirelessly in both a coaching and managerial capacity, training the girls every week and leading them to the Under-11 league title in the Norfolk Women’s and Girls League. Sadly Joe is moving from the area and his enthusiasm and ability will be sorely missed but his legacy is already established as his team steps up to Under-12s level next season. Joe is well known for his wholehearted approach and total encouragement of the youngsters.

Simon CROWE

Simon has just taken on the responsibilities of referees’ officer for the club, looking out and helping to train potential new officials. Throughout the season he has refereed youth team games and women’s games. In addition Simon has been on hand to repair goalposts on the Memorial Playing Field everytime they have been vandalised and also helped to coach the Under-14s and Under-16s. Simon will be a major helper at the coming youth team funday at Hethersett Middle School where again he will be helping with the day and refereeing matches.

Richard GAMBLE, Mike MOLLOY and Steve RAVEN

This is a triple nomination for the three main organisers of the club’s youth team Funday which again this year will be held in May. This is one of our main showcase events of the season and features a fete style atmosphere, showcase games and presentations to the youth teams. Richard is the club’s events’ organiser, but all three have been instrumental in organising this day which is in its second year. Last year’s event was a tremendous success, not only providing a fun day out but also helping to promote the name of Hethersett Athletic far and wide.

Danny HOLMAN

Danny is a past winner of the Lee Thompson for his outstanding work with the A team – an award shared with his father Ian. This season Danny became the first player to make over 300 league and cup appearances for the club and is now setting his sights on 400. He has been awarded honorary life membership to mark this significant milestone. Danny has played for all three men’s teams over the past season and instantly makes himself available whenever there is a gap to fill. His disciplinary record is second to none and he captained the A team this season, just missing out on promotion from Division Four of the Norwich Sunday League.

Sue MILNE

Sue is vice-chair of the club and also child protection and welfare officer. Sue also sits on Norfolk FA as the representative of Women’s and Girls football. Sue is a qualified Level 2 coach and this year has managed the club’s women’s team to the championship of the Eastern Region Women’s Division One East. Next season Sue will lead the team into the Premier Division but is already planning to take the team higher, into the top strata of women’s football. As a committee member Sue has worked tirelessly for the club both on and off the field and has helped forge very close links with Easton College – something she will be helping to develop even further in the future.

Bob OLIVER

Bob is stepping down as manager of the A team to spend more time watching his son play. Bob has been an inspiration to the younger players at the club, regularly supporting and organising coaching sessions throughout the summer and season. He has what has been described as a “charitable nature” and the ability to engage and communicate with players of all ages. His nomination includes the following words “Bob has helped me with coaching throughout the year. His ability to make happy relationships has helped to bring the club together and in addition he is a very good coach.”

Tom PARKE

Many of the comments made about Sue Milne and Joe Cooper can be attributed to Tom who joined the club two seasons ago. He has trained and coached the women’s team to the championship of the Eastern Region Women’s League Division One East title, as well as being a valuable member of the club committee and helping to forge links with Easton College. Tom has primarily been responsible for attracting top Norfolk women’s players to the club and is at present working on making Easton College a top academy for the women’s game. His aim is to make the women’s team one of the top in the country and he has already taken giant steps towards that goal.

Mel PERKINS

Mel founded Hethersett Athletic in 1991 with one Under-12 side and has overseen the growth of the club. Next year the club could be running up to 17 teams which provides a logistic nightmare. In his twin roles of secretary and treasurer, Mel’s efficiency helps to keep the club afloat. In addition he is fixtures’ secretary for one of the youth leagues and also runs cycle speedway in the village with the Under-16s team having already won the British Championship this season. Mel has been at the forefront of the development of the football club as it has grown in size and met with increased success.

Ross POTTER

Ross has been player-manager of the Men’s First team for four seasons after taking over from former Memorial Trophy winner Ian Harrison. In his first season Ross consolidated the team in Division One of the Norwich Sunday League and went on to gain promotion the following season with a runaway league win. In his first season as a Premier Division manager, Ross took the team to third place, just missing out on the title in a thrilling end to the season. This season he has taken them to the verge of the league title. Hethersett need to win their two remaining fixtures to finish champions. At the same time Ross led the team to a Carrow Road final in the Norfolk Senior Sunday Cup – losing in the final to a very experienced team from King’s Lynn. Ross carries out most of the administration for the team and has even enlisted his mother Vickie as first team physio. Ross also organises the annual adult five-a-side and has still found time to play over 100 games for the first team. He is also a member of the club’s main committee.

Jemma SMYTHE

Jemma Smythe is captain of the Hethersett Ladies team that have walked away with the Eastern Region Division One East title. Always enthusiastic Jemma has helped the management team with the organisation and coaching of the side. She has an exemplary attitude and positive outlook. In addition Jemma has represented Norfolk throughout the season and is a shining example to all young players.

Peter STEWARD

Peter has been involved with Hethersett Athletic since 1992, taking on the role of chairman in 1996. At the present time he helps with the men’s first team and looks after the promotional side of the club with the emphasis on the official web site, and Media work. He also liaises with sponsors.