Suffolk clubs, leagues and individuals were recognised in the 2017 FA Community Awards last week.

The eight winners and three that were highly commended in their respective categories have all been honoured for their commitment to grassroots football and their achievements during the past year.

The Judging panel comprised of Suffolk FA Senior Football Development Officer Michael Cornall, Suffolk FA Director Roger Peck, Suffolk FA Council Member John Pitts, Kathryn James of Suffolk Sport and Mark Richards of sponsors McDonald’s.

Michael Cornall, who headed up the Judging Panel, said: “It was a real task for the judging panel to decide the winners this year with the competition being so high.

“It was great to read of all the fantastic work that goes on across grassroots football throughout the county. I would personally like to thank all the nominations for the outstanding contribution they have made to Suffolk Football.

“A final thanks must go to the judging panel for giving up their time voluntarily to support Suffolk FA in this year’s FA Community Awards.”

All eleven – the eight winners and three that were highly commended will be invited to receive their certificates at this year’s Suffolk FA Awards Night sponsored by McDonald’s, Ransomes Jacobsen and The KBB Centre.

This is taking place at Trinity Park on the evening of Friday, June 23rd, when former Ipswich Town footballer and ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’ star Jimmy Bullard will be the guest speaker.

The award winners were:

Best Inclusive Project: SIL Ability Counts League

Coach of the Year: Jason Clarke (Haverhill Rovers)

FA Charter Standard Club: Thurston FC; Highly Commended - Beccles Town

FA Charter Standard Community Club: Haverhill Rovers

FA Charter Standard Development Club: Stowupland Falcons

FA Charter Standard League: Suffolk FA WAYS League; Highly Commended – Norfolk & Suffolk Youth League

Outstanding Contribution to Community Football: Gordon McKenzie (Beccles Town); Highly Commended - Daniel Frost (Woodbridge Town)

Young Volunteer of the Year: Daniel Coe (Thurlow Youth FC)