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 Friday night’s Active Suffolk Awards Ceremony at Trinity Park.

After receiving the award Syd joked: “Thank you everybody for that round of applause – I don’t get that at Fram!”

It wasn’t until Syd’s list of achievements was being read out that the penny dropped that he was to be the recipient of the award.

He told the audience: “I had no idea. I didn’t come here tonight thinking this was going to happen.”

He later said that he had been reluctant to attend after hurting himself in a fall earlier in the week and that he was ‘astounded’ to be honoured in this way.

Active Suffolk Director Gareth Davies, said in his speech before presenting the award, said: “Syd is a true legend who we will never be able to replace.”

Suffolk FA Chief Executive Richard Neal said: “Syd is a true giant of grassroots football who will never be matched at Framlingham Town Football Club, or in Suffolk football.

“He has given his life to the game, and in doing so has progressed Framlingham Town FC into the thriving club that you see today, and over so many years has helped so many people to enjoy what is on offer at the football and sports clubs.

“Even now, Syd remains as devoted to the club as he’s ever been. Indeed, he was present at Badingham Road on 1st October 2024 when the club were able to unveil an upgrade to the floodlights Syd had overseen the installation of some 40 years previous. Thankfully, the new ones met Syd’s approval!

“If you know Framlingham Town FC, sport in Framlingham, or football in Suffolk then you know Sydney Vice. A true legend, a diamond of a man, and a much-deserved recipient of this year’s Active Suffolk Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Syd Vice is pictured (above right) with his award and Framlingham Town FC President Dean Warner.

Syd’s association with Framlingham Town started in 1959 when he joined the club as a player.

He became vice chair of the club the following year and was club secretary from 1962-72.

Syd took over as club representative on the Framlingham Sports Club committee in 1961 and vice chair of the sports club two years later.

He was president for around a decade and is now a Life Vice President of the club.

Syd used to take young boys who wanted to play football to matches before starting the Saxmundham Rotary League which the boys played in. He was chair and treasurer for the league too until it folded.

Syd ran the at Framlingham Town until the 1992-93 season when the current Youth section of the club was set up.

He was heavily involved with the sports club’s purchase of the site where the club’s first team play today and the building of the amenities including the stand, dressing rooms, officials’ room, kitchen and toilet block.

Syd has since overseen many alterations to the clubhouse, obtaining monies through gifts and loans from friends.

He has always played a big part in the upkeep of the ground, including cutting the grass, weeding, seeding and fertilising the whole 16 acres owned by the sports club.

Richard Neal also congratulated other nominees from grassroots football in Suffolk who were shortlisted.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Jewels Under-12 Girls were shortlisted for the Active Team of the Year Award and Lakenheath Youth FC Chair Richard Horrex and Brantham Athletic FC Youth Coach Harry Baalham-Williams were both shortlisted for the Active Unsung Hero Award.