Last Friday marked an unforgettable night for Aylsham FC at the 2024 Norfolk FA Volunteer Awards held at the Sprowston Manor Hotel. We were honored to be awarded Club of the Year, an achievement that reflects the hard work and passion from everyone involved at the club.
But the success didn’t stop there! Hannah Burton, one of our standout coaches, was recognized as Coach of the Year (Female Player Pathway) for her incredible work developing female players. Her dedication to fostering a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment has made a huge impact on our girls’ teams.
We also proudly celebrated the long-service awards received by three of our club stalwarts:
• Gus Bates – Club Officer or Official – 10 Years’ Service
• Ian Potter – Club Officer or Official – 15 Years’ Service
• Mick McCann – FA 50 Years’ Service Award
These awards represent the foundation on which our club is built: hard work, loyalty, and a genuine love for the game.
Matt Carpenter, Norfolk FA Chief Executive, who hosted the evening, summed up the spirit of grassroots football in his speech:
“It was once again a privilege to be able to host this year’s Volunteer Awards which serves as an opportunity to celebrate the amazing volunteers within our local football community.
“Local football wouldn’t exist as we know it without the commitment of those who love the sport. I felt privileged to stand alongside these passionate individuals, many of whom have been pillars of football in Norfolk for decades.
“My gratitude extends to all these remarkable people, for without their efforts, our community’s game would not thrive. Volunteering at the grassroots level comes with its challenges, yet the rewards far outweigh this. It was a delightful evening, celebrating the well-earned achievements of these worthy winners.”
These recognitions remind us of the tireless work put in by so many at Aylsham FC—our players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters all play a vital role in making the club what it is today. We are immensely proud of everyone’s contribution and look forward to continuing our success both on and off the pitch.
A massive thank you to Norfolk FA for organizing such a fantastic event, and congratulations to all the other winners who were celebrated on the night. Together, we are strengthening grassroots football across Norfolk.
Photography: Ben Cunningham.
