Community programme hosts awards night

King’s Lynn Community Football hosted their end-of-season celebration evening, a night where they showcased the broad range of football sessions that are running at Alive West Norfolk.Members of the community programmes were in attendance, including Disability Football, Walking Football, Time To Talk Football, First Touch and Ball Masters.As well as the community members, representatives from the Football Development Programme’s Girls squads, Development squads, Elite squads and Junior Premier League squads attended the evening.Football Development Manager Dan Buhlemann shared success stories from each of the groups and It was a common theme that players’ individual development determined success and there was plenty of that to go around.Whether it was one of the youngest members who was two years two-years-old and only starting to fall in love with the game of football or the oldest members who were in their 70s and had re-connected with the game of football it was clear that they felt KLCF was a great place to be.Community coach Dean Bax spoke about Time To Talk Football, a men’s well-being session supported by the 856 Foundation.Success here was around men attending a social football programme that offered mental health support and members were then becoming mental health supporters themselves. The rewards here are not just about turning up and playing football. The Elite Football Programme and its Junior Premier League squads were showcased for their commitment to their attendance and their attitude to learning, which ultimately produced some great individual and team rewards and success stories for both the girls’ and boys teams.Tommy Goode, head of performance and development said: “The celebration evening showcases the fantastic work at KLCF, with exceptional player stories changing lives, allowing people to fall in love with the beautiful game and some great success stories. “Huge thanks to the players, parents, coaches, supports and sponsors for their support and commitment and we look forward to another season.”Buhlemann said: “It was a great opportunity to share all the success stories of the community teams as well as the Football Development Programme.”Rewarding members from each team with recognition for their efforts and progress. We pride ourselves on player development so it was important for us to be able to share this with everyone.”