THE past 12 months have been sprinkled with many memorable moments.

Here’s a month-by-month look back at a busy 2024.

 

January

The year started with news that seven Suffolk Referees had received an end-of-year promotion.

Joshua Godbold and Connor Sumpter (both Youth 1-Youth 2) and Adrian Hammond, Samuel Bell, Samuel Holman, Keith Phair and Marcus Sanders (all Level 6-Level 5) were all promoted in the second of four promotion windows throughout the 2023-24 season.

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Suffolk official Emily Heaslip said she was ‘over the moon’ after being appointed to the FIFA list of referees for 2024.

Becoming a Women’s FIFA international referee meant Emily, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, would be able to officiate women’s international matches.

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Suffolk FA extended their partnership with Replay Maintenance for another three years.

Under the agreement Replay Maintenance, who specialise in 3G pitch maintenance and repair, offer all artificial pitch operators in Suffolk a free ‘health check’ inspection and report.

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It was announced that Felixstowe & Walton United FC would host the end-of-season Suffolk FA Grassroots Festival 2024 at Eastward Ho in Felixstowe in May. 

The twelfth annual festival would be the first to be held outside of Ipswich.

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Suffolk match official Alex Shipp said his latest promotion was a ‘massive achievement’ for him.

His promotion meant he would be an Assistant Referee on the National League (Step 1) and Premier League 2. 

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Hadleigh United FC received a brand-new kitchen in their clubhouse at The Millfield from kitchen supplier Howdens through their partnership with England Football.

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Tributes were paid to former Suffolk player, administrator and referee Maurice Scrivener.

A former Chair of the Suffolk & Ipswich League, Maurice passed away peacefully in Ipswich Hospital after battling a respiratory illness.

 

February

A new name would appear on the Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup after three former winners of the competition all lost home ties in the quarter-finals.

Woolverstone United won 3-1 at fellow SIL Division one side Achilles (2008-09 winners) and Somersham had a 2-0 success at Stanton (1993-94 winners) in another Division One clash.

SIL Division Two side Kesgrave Kestrels caused an upset at Grundisburgh (1955-56 winners) as they won 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

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Needham Market left it late before securing their place in the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Final.

They trailed Ipswich Town U18s 2-1 with 20 minutes remaining their semi-final at Hadleigh United FC, before scoring three times to win 4-2.

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Niki Clemo was appointed as a Trustee of Suffolk FA, taking on the role of Board Safeguarding Champion.

She had more than 40 years’ experience working in the public sector, including the last ten at corporate/executive director level, and in 2016 was awarded an OBE for services to children’s social care.

 

March

Leiston Under-23s substitute goalkeeper Kevin Holland celebrates after saving three penalties in the CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup Semi-Final penalty shoot-out versus Bungay Town. Main photograph: Two team-mates pictured at the Suffolk FA Grassroots Festival held in Felixstowe in May.

Substitute goalkeeper Kevin Holland was the unlikely hero as Leiston Under-23s reached the CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup Final after a penalty shoot-out.

Holland came off the bench to save three Bungay Town penalties as Leiston won the shoot-out 2-1 following a 1-1 draw in the semi-final at Lowestoft Town’s Fosters Community Stadium.

The 42-year-old, twice a losing semi-finalist in the competition, was called into action after keeper Oliver Dawson was injured as Bungay equalised after 79 minutes.

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A further eight Suffolk officials achieved promotion in the third promotion window of the season.

Calin Rogojan and Victoria Anderson, who were both promoted from Level 7 to Level 6 in October were promoted to Level 5. Other promotions were as follows: Lewis Howes (Youth 1-Youth 2), Ashley Moore and Mark Dyer (both Level 7-Level 6), Aaron Etti, Ben Martin and Jason Smith (all Level 6-Level 5).

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Curtis Harvey netted a hat-trick as Trimley Red Devils reached the CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup final for the first time in their history after thrashing fellow SIL Senior Division side East Bergholt United 6-0 in their semi-final at Felixstowe & Walton United FC.

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Suffolk match official Ella Karkoska took part in a match to celebrate International Women’s Day. The 18-year-old from Ipswich was invited to be an assistant referee at the Isle of Man international women’s senior team internal friendly at the National Stadium.

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Suffolk FA staged a highly successful Grounds Event in conjunction with Ipswich Town FC. Around 30 groundskeepers attended the event held at the Ipswich Town Training Ground and hosted by the club’s Grounds Manager Ben Connell.

There were demonstrations from Suffolk FA partners GroundTech, Jacobsen, MH Goals and Parkers Pitches, and a tour of the training ground.

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Facilities at a Suffolk village football club underwent a significant upgrade. The goals, dugouts and fence surrounding the pitch at Bramford United, just outside Ipswich, were all replaced.

The pitch at the club’s ground at Bramford Playing Field in Acton Road also had major investment to improve it.

The investment in facilities at the club, whose first team play in Division Six of the SIL, totalled around £55,000.

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Suffolk FA Honorary Life Member Peter Vardon passed away at the age of 86.

Peter, who lived in Hadleigh, was a former county chair and a long-serving Suffolk FA Council Member. He had been involved in Suffolk football since 1954 after moving to the county.

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Amy Gilson scored twice as Stowupland Falcons reached the MH Goals Suffolk Women’s Cup Final for the first time.

They defeated Brantham Athletic 3-1 at Humber Doucy Lane, home of Ipswich Wanderers FC.

Their final opponents would be AFC Sudbury, who defeated Needham Market, 4-0 in the second semi-final at Bury Town FC.

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It was revealed Martin McConnell’s last match as Thurston manager would be the Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup Final against Woolverstone United.

McConnell announced he would be standing down at the end of the season in the wake of his side 3-2 semi-final victory over Somersham.

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Due to the generous sponsorship of Jacobsen Ltd, the world-wide renowned turf care specialists based in Suffolk, the Suffolk FA Grounds Team of the Year competition was extended.

The competition had previously only been open to clubs playing outside the National League System but would now include a competition for those playing in the NLS Leagues.

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AFC Sudbury’s domination of the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup was ended as Bury Town came from to win 2-1 in their semi-final at Stowmarket Town FC.

AFC Sudbury had reeled off seven consecutive victories in the competition since the 2015-16 season. The only occasion they didn’t win it was in the 2019-20 season when the competition was suspended due to Covid

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It was announced that two female Suffolk match officials would be heading to America to take part in the Dallas Cup.

Emily Heaslip and Isabel Chaplin were selected by the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd) to take part in the prestigious week-long tournament.

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Referees appointed to the Suffolk County Cup Finals were recognised at a Celebration Evening at Henley Community Centre, just outside Ipswich.

Constantine Hatzidakis, Assistant Referee for the 2019 FA Cup Final, was guest speaker for the evening attended by around 50 guests.

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Felixstowe & Walton United manager Stuart Boardley was ‘over the moon’ after seeing his side reach the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Final.

The Seasiders came from behind to defeat Leiston 2-1 in their delayed semi-final at Ipswich Wanderers FC thanks to second-half goals from Leon Ottley-Gooch and Callum Harrison.

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Haverhill Rovers’ Young Guns reached the Veo Suffolk Under-18 Midweek Cup Final thanks to a stoppage time winner in their semi-final versus Walsham-le-Willows at Mildenhall Town FC.

The only goal of the game came in the 91st minute from a corner taken by Illias Zachariou which was bundled home by Liam Powell.

 

April

Needham Market manager Kevin Horlock set his sights on a fifth straight Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup success after his side’s 2-0 victory over Felixstowe & Walton United at Bury Town FC.

A Luke Ingram penalty after 64 minutes and a close-range Jamie McGrath finish seven minutes later settled the outcome in the final at Bury Town FC after the Seasiders had Josh Hitter sent off.

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Manager Liam Cawtheray said it was an ‘unbelievable feeling’ after his Cavendish side reached the McDonald’s Suffolk Primary Cup Final.

The Essex & Suffolk Border League Division Two side overcame Ipswich Vale Exiles 2-1 in their semi-final at Cornard United FC to set up a final against Redgrave Rangers.

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The importance of having a working defibrillator was underlined during a ‘cardiac incident’ when Long Melford’s Lewis Brennan started feeling unwell during their Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division fixture at Hadleigh United.

The defibrillator on site at the Millfield was used to provide readings and monitor the 23-year-old until a first responder arrived. The incident highlighted the vital role that defibrillators can play in potentially saving someone’s life.

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Kitchener Taverners had to come from behind to win the Best Badges Suffolk Sunday Cup for a fourth time in seven years. They defeated holders Moreton Hall Ferals 2-1 on 'Suffolk Super Sunday', where four cup finals were played on one day at Needham Market FC.

James Dean netted a hat-trick as Thetford Wanderers lifted the Best Badges Suffolk Sunday Shield after a comprehensive 6-1 victory against Bury Bowl.

Gardeners Arms were crowned champions of the Best Badges Suffolk Sunday Trophy with a dominant 4-0 victory against Barton Mills and Ransomes Sports lifted the Best Badges Suffolk Veterans' Cup for the first time with a 5-1 win over Whitton Colts 5-1.

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Two goals early in the second half saw Redgrave Rangers win the McDonald’s Suffolk Primary Cup for a second time.

The Macron SIL Division Three side deservedly defeated Cavendish 2-0 in the final at Colchester United FC.

 

May

Haverhill Rovers won the Veo Suffolk Under-18 Midweek Cup for the first time. Rovers led 2-0 versus Bury Town in the final at Colchester United FC, but their opponents restored parity before Rovers netted a 74th minute winner.

It was a notable achievement for the club, who fielded an under-16 side in the competition.

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Needham Market FC were the inaugural winners of the Suffolk FA Grounds Team of the Year for National League System Clubs sponsored by Jacobsen Ltd.

Groundman Ken Thorpe was adjudged the winner, pipping Kevin Able of Framlingham Town FC to the title, with Paul Arnold of Bury Town FC in third place.

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AFC Sudbury’s Boys’ and Girls’ teams achieved a ‘momentous double’ as they won both England FA College Finals on the same day.

The Girls retained the National Football Youth League Cup, coming from behind to defeat Northampton Town 2-1 in the final on their own ground.

The Boys then lifted the England College FA Knockout Trophy for the first time, defeating Telford 3-0 at Accrington Stanley’s stadium.

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Beccles Town FC won the Suffolk FA Grounds Team of the Year competition for Non-National League System Clubs sponsored by Jacobsen Ltd for a third time.

Groundman Shaun Soloman was adjudged the winner of the category for NLS Regional Feeder Clubs and below. The Grounds Team at Bacton United 89 FC were runners-up and Trevor Chenery of Halesworth Town FC finished third.

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Stowmarket Town Under-23s Manager Craig ‘Jimmy’ Brown’s decision to stay with the club because he had ‘unfinished business’ was rewarded with winning a treble.

His side beat Beccles Town Reserves 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup Final at Leiston FC to add the cup to both the Thurlow Nunn U23 League title and League Cup. It meant a fourth final defeat in five seasons for Beccles Town.

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A last-gasp goal gave Bury Town EJA victory in the Portable Space Suffolk Under-14 Mixed Cup Final. Bury Town scored with just ten seconds remaining to defeat Needham Market 2-1 in one of 12 County Cup and Plate finals held at The New Croft in Haverhill.

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THE winners of the Grassroots Football Awards 2024 in Suffolk were announced after a record-breaking 116 entries, easily surpassing the previous high of 87 submitted in 2020.

The Bobby Moore award for the volunteer that represents the best of grassroots football in Suffolk, was won by Bob Morrison of Capel Plough FC.

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Manager Martin McConnell bowed out in style as his Thurston side completed a league and cup double.

Thurston defeated Woolverstone 3-1 in the Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup Final at Portman Road to add to their SIL Division One title.

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Water sprays up from Portman Road pitch as torrential rain falls during the final between AFC Sudbury (fuchsia shirts) and Stowupland Falcons (yellow shirts).

AFC Sudbury won the MH Goals Suffolk Women’s Cup for the third time on a record-breaking night.

They defeated Stowupland Falcons 11-1 in the final at Portman Road, where play had to be suspended for around 90 minutes due to torrential rain.

AFC Sudbury were 6-0 ahead after 40 minutes when referee Isabel Chaplin suspended play due to player safety, but the final was able to continue after two pitch inspections.

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Two goals in the space of ten first-half minutes saw Trimley Red Devils win the CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup for the first time.

They defeated Thurlow Nunn League Division One North opponents Leiston Under-23s 2-0 in the showpiece final at Portman Road to cap off a memorable season after finishing fourth in the SIL Senior Division - their highest ever position.

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Suffolk County Schools’ FA Boys’ Under-15 and Under-16 sides both ended runners-up in their South-East England Schools’ FA Finals - the first time SCSFA have had two representative sides reach finals in the same season.

The Boys’ U15 side lost 3-0 in their final versus Essex at AFC Sudbury, while the Boys’ U16 side went down 4-0 away to Sussex at Dorking FC.

 

June

A Suffolk referee said it was ‘a dream come true’ after receiving a national award. Ian Moore was Highly Commended in the Inspirational Role Model category at the Referee Recognition Awards.

The 60-year-old was interviewed by Sky TV after receiving the award at a ceremony attended by 170 guests at Wembley Stadium.

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Ben Bowles started work as the new Referee Development Officer at Suffolk FA.

The 33-year-old, who took up refereeing in 2014, is a Level 3 male pathway referee primarily officiating at Step 3 and 4 of the Non-League System.

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A Suffolk club were celebrating after securing their fifth successive promotion!

Mutford & Wrentham FC won a league and cup double, adding the Cyril Ballyn Cup to the Fosters Anglian Combination Division Two title.

It continued the remarkable rise of the village club, who were promoted to Division One after winning the league by 16 points.

 

July

Ipswich business Clip ‘n Climb partnered with Suffolk FA for the 2024-25 season.

The local, family-run business provide a climbing experience like no other, helping people of all ages to get active, have fun and socialise.

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FC Copenbadly were crowned the champions of the Suffolk Sixes sponsored by McDonald’s.

They remained undefeated until their 24^th and last game, after winning the previous 23, to give them 69 points out of a possible 72.

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Ipswich came out on top in the first East Anglian Women’s Walking Football Derby.

A series of four friendly matches played between two teams from Ipswich and two from Norwich resulted in three 1-0 wins for the hosts, with the fourth ending goalless.

The matches took place on Sunday at Kesgrave Community Centre, home to teams from the Ipswich Walking Football Centre.

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Needham Market won the Suffolk Champions Charity Cup after a penalty shoot-out.

A young Needham side, comprising mainly of Reserve team players, drew 3-3 with Trimley Red Devils at Bloomfields, before winning the shoot-out 5-4.

 

August

It was announced that Suffolk FA partners Veo, the portable solution to recording and analysing matches without the need for a camera operator, would be sponsoring the Suffolk Under-18 Midweek Cup for a third successive season.

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Suffolk FA confirmed it would again be offering three player support funds during the 2024-25 season.

The three funds are the Benevolent Fund, the Safe Eyewear Fund and the Youth Retention Fund.

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Long-standing sponsors CNet Training, an Uptime Education company, agreed to sponsor the Suffolk Senior Cup for a tenth successive season.

The 2024-25 season would be the 12th consecutive season that CNet Training have partnered with Suffolk FA, after sponsoring the Suffolk Junior Cup for two seasons.

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A Goal early in each half saw Redgrave Rangers win the Suffolk Champions Charity Shield.

The McDonald’s Suffolk Primary Cup winners defeated Thurston 2-0 Bury Town FC.

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Portable Space Ltd, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of shipping containers and conversions, portable cabins, modular buildings and steel storage containers, agreed to continue their partnership with Suffolk FA for the 2024-25 season.

The Bacton-based business resumed sponsorship of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup, a competition they previously sponsored in both the 2020-21 and 2022-23 campaigns.

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Suffolk FA extended their partnership with British Sugar TOPSOIL for the 2024-25 season.

It would be the fifth year that British Sugar TOPSOIL had sponsored the Suffolk FA Grounds Support programme since it was introduced for the 2020-21 season.

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The Suffolk Women’s Cup would be sponsored by MH Goals Ltd for a third successive season.

The Beccles-based football goals and sports equipment manufacturers are a long-term partner of Suffolk FA.

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Ipswich business Best Badges Ltd extended their support of Suffolk FA to a fifth year.

Best Badges would again sponsor the Suffolk Sunday Cup, Suffolk Sunday Shield, Suffolk Sunday Trophy and Suffolk Veterans’ Cup, which would be split into cup and shield competitions for the 2024-25 season.

 

September

Former Suffolk FA Director David Rose passed away at the age of 81.

Having joined the club as an office boy in 1958, David took on the role of Club Secretary at Ipswich Town FC in 1975.

He was in post for the FA Cup win in 1978, the UEFA Cup triumph of 1981, and the Division Two title of 1991-92 that would see Ipswich Town compete in the inaugural season of the Premier League.

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Ipswich-based Jacobsen Ltd confirmed their continued support of Suffolk FA.

Jacobsen Ltd, who are based at Ransomes Europark, are one of the longest-standing supporters of Suffolk FA.

A premier supplier of high-quality turf equipment, utility vehicles, golf cars and tractors, Jacobsen agreed to continue to sponsor the Suffolk FA Awards Ceremony and the Grounds Team of the Year competitions.

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New facilities enabled Hundon FC to return home following a four-year exile.

The club received a grant of £182,723 from the Premier League, The FA and the Football Foundation to build a new pavilion.

The club had been playing their ‘home’ matches at Clare Town FC after their previous changing facilities were deemed as being unsafe.

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Suffolk official Abi Byrne said she was ‘immensely proud’ to be selected for her first FIFA tournament.

She would be the only match official from England to be chosen among the 38 officials for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic starting in mid-October.

 

October

Parkers Pitches extended their partnership with Suffolk FA to cover the 2024-25 season.

The sports turf management business, based in the Bury St Edmunds area, agreed to sponsor the Suffolk Junior Cup for a fourth consecutive season.

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The Play Safe weekend was hailed as a success across Suffolk. More than 50 clubs signed up to take part in the annual event and many of these were visited by Suffolk FA staff, Board members and Suffolk FA Youth Council members.

The year-round campaign amplifies the importance of safeguarding across all levels of the game aimed at making sure football is safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time.

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New LED floodlights which would bring ‘huge benefits’ to Framlingham Town FC were officially switched on.

The new lights were a joint project between Framlingham Sports Club and Framlingham Town FC. FSC have freehold of the Badingham Road site on which the football pitch and lights are sited. 

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Holders Needham Market enjoyed a record-breaking evening in the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup, defeating Long Melford 12-0 in their second-round match to record the club's biggest ever win.

Luke Ingram netted four and there were eight different goalscorers as Needham surpassed their previous best 10-1 win at Ipswich Wanderers in an FA Cup Preliminary Round tie in 2007.

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Dream Installations agreed to continue their partnership with Suffolk FA to support Barnards Meadow Football Centre in Lowestoft.

The Lowestoft-based business, who supply windows, doors and conservatories, would continue to be the main sponsor of the Barnards Meadow Football Centre site.

Suffolk FA have held the tenancy of the facility since October 2022 after Sentinel Leisure Trust, who had operated the centre, ceased trading and closed the site earlier in the year.

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The new Suffolk FA 2024-2028 Strategy ‘Driving the Local Game’ was launched following The Football Association’s new national strategy to grow and develop grassroots football in England, titled ‘A Thriving Grassroots Game’.

The FA’s overall four-year strategy, ‘Inspiring Positive Change Through Football’, was aimed to take English football forward, with a clear focus on the biggest opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed.

Suffolk FA’s new four-year strategy had been in development over 12 months, starting back in November 2023, with The FA’s Roadshow ‘A Conversation About Our Game’.

 

November

A Suffolk match official said it was ‘the most incredible experience’ following her international debut.

Vicky Anderson was an assistant referee at the England Women’s Under-16 versus Switzerland Women’s Under-16 friendly on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, who lives near Bury St Edmunds, was on the line for match at St George’s Park which England won 4-2.

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It was announced that Chief Executive Richard Neal would be leaving Suffolk FA early in the New Year.

Richard, who took up the position in September 2017, would be taking up a new role with The FA.

The 41-year-old, who previously worked for Suffolk Sport and was then Youth Sport Manager at Oxfordshire Sport & Physical Activity, had played a pivotal role in developing and growing football in the county over the last seven years.

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Two Suffolk FA projects were shortlisted at the County FA Recognition Awards.

Suffolk FA were shortlisted in the Positive Football Environment and Youth Engagement categories at the awards staged at Wembley Stadium.

More than 500 guests representing County FA’s from across the country, including 24 staff, Board and Youth Council members from Suffolk FA, attended the awards.

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Suffolk match official Brad Mingay said he would be targeting EFL Championship appointments in the future after making his debut as an assistant referee at the EFL League Two fixture between Colchester United and Cheltenham Town.

The 30-year-old from Lowestoft started refereeing in the 2008-09 season and was now a member of the National Group Specialist Assistant Referee (NGAR).

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Syd Vice is pictured (right) with his award and Framlingham Town FC President Dean Warner (left) at Trinity Park.

Framlingham Town FC stalwart Syd Vice said he was ‘astounded’ after receiving the Active Suffolk Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 88-year-old was presented with the award at the Active Suffolk Awards Ceremony at Trinity Park.

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Suffolk FA and Total Football agreed a new three-year partnership.

Suffolk FA would purchase their team wear, printing and embroidery from Total Football, who would continue to offer discounts on team wear, referees’ kit and footballs to Suffolk FA affiliated clubs and leagues.

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Around 60 Suffolk New College students took part in a Mental Health Football Festival.

The students, aged between 16 and 19, took part in a series of seven-a-side matches at Goals in Ipswich on International Men’s Day as part of November’s Men’s Health Awareness Month.

The festival was played in silence as a way of showcasing and raising awareness of the loneliness faced by people who experience mental health struggles in everyday life, whilst feeling like they have no-one to talk to.

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Details for the 2025 Suffolk FA Grassroots Festival were confirmed.

The festival would again take place at Eastward Ho! In Felixstowe on Saturday and Sunday May 10th and 11^th. 

 

December

Three 50-Year servants were honoured among others at the Suffolk FA Awards Ceremony sponsored by McDonald’s and Jacobsen.

Bob Bullamore, Bob Morrison and Barry Spall, who had each dedicated more than 50 years’ service to grassroots football, were presented with their awards at the ceremony at Venue 16 in Ipswich.

Morrison, as previously mentioned, won the Bobby Moore Award, while Bullamore, a Level 5 Referee from Ipswich, received the 50-Year Referee Long Service Award.

There was a special presentation to Spall to recognise his 50-plus years’ service as a Suffolk FA Council member.

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Suffolk’s Jon Block spoke of his ‘enormous pride’ after his debut as an assistant referee in the EFL Championship.

The 34-year-old, who lives near Bury St Edmunds, was an assistant referee at the Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers at Hillsborough.

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David Leech said he was ‘shocked’ to receive The FA 50-Year Award for Service to Football.

The Woodbridge Town FC President and Life Vice President has served the club, and football in Woodbridge, almost continuously since making his senior debut for the Woodpeckers in the 1961-62 season to the present day, accumulating 51 years of active service to football.

Mildenhall Town FC stalwart Lol Houghton was also presented with The FA 50-Year Award for Service to Football on Boxing Day.

He has been involved with the club since 1969 and has raised more than £150,000 over the years through raffles and draws.