The Suffolk FA Awards Dinner proved a fitting climax to the season at grassroots level in the county.

East Anglian Daily Times: Representative team Players of the Year Jack Newman (under-18s), Marcie Prettyman (ladies) and Dan Knight (under-16s) are pictured with Suffolk FA chairman David PorterRepresentative team Players of the Year Jack Newman (under-18s), Marcie Prettyman (ladies) and Dan Knight (under-16s) are pictured with Suffolk FA chairman David Porter (Image: Archant)

More than 130 guests attended the evening, which saw a host of volunteers from across the county receive awards.

The Awards Dinner, which was held in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite at Portman Road on Thursday, also included a three-course meal plus a speech from former Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks CBE.

He paid tribute to grassroots football and all the volunteers who make it possible, and related some stories and anecdotes from his time at the club.

There was also a Q&A session which saw Sheepshanks joined by former Ipswich Town manager George Burley in answering questions from the audience.

Eight referees were presented with Long Service Awards by Sheepshanks, while the Groundsman of the Year Awards were handed out by Mark Harrod of sponsors Mark Harrod Ltd.

Suffolk FA chairman David Porter presented Player of the Year Awards for the county’s three Representative teams plus 25 Appearance Awards to four members of the Ladies’ team.

Mark Richards, who owns a franchise of McDonald’s restaurants and sponsored the event, handed out the seven FA Community Awards.

Upon Beccles Town Youth receiving the FA Charter Standard Club of the Year award, it was announced that they had also won the Regional Award.

The evening’s final presentation was to Framlingham Town FC president Bryan Parker, who was the recipient of an FA 50-Year Service Award.

The prize for a 13-night Canary Island Cruise, donated by Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, was won by Mike Powles, who has recently stepped down as chairman of Walsham-le-Willows FC.

Mike Phillips, who co-organised the evening with colleague Nick Garnham, said: “It was a great night, and I am pleased everyone enjoyed themselves.

“It was a fantastic way to close the season.

“A huge thank you to all the staff involved at ITFC, David and George for making the night that bit more special for everyone.”