To start the formalities, Chair Andrew Long reminded everyone of the club’s wider achievements, from our Youth section, to our Women’s tantalizingly close proximity to promotion the following day, to the first season of our Veterans team and our progress to further inclusivity within our club.

Following a toast to those AFC Sudbury community members who have passed over the last 12 months, it was quickly onto the main event. Men’s First Team Manager Rick Andrews starting by thanking his management team for their support throughout the season. Few present were in the least surprised when Rick announced Managers Player of the Year as super-striker Nnamdi Nwachuku.

Next, Jamie Shaw presented the Players’ Player of the Year, with Olly Brown proving a very popular choice. Dale Brooks then took the mic to reveal the least well-kept secret of the evening, presenting Nnamdi with The Golden Boot awarding. This not only celebrated Nnamdi’s 49 goal season, but this impressive tally sets a new record for most goals ever scored in a season at AFC Sudbury, taking over from previous record holder, Sam Banya.

Super-supporter Ashley Webb then confirmed Josh Stokes as the winner of the Supporters’ Player of the Year award, followed by the Supporters’ Club Merit award presented by valued volunteer Matt Smith to Andy Kemsley (in his absence) for his excellent work in building and solidifying our grassroots youth section over the past five years - which is so important in feeding into the elite youth teams, Academy and First Teams.

But the biggest cheer of the evening was reserved for winner of Clubman of the Year; involving a trophy adorned with the names of some of the most popular characters from the club’s history. This was awarded to a young man who few of us had met before last Christmas but whose commitment, knowledge and beaming smile has won over the whole club in four short months.

Isaac was just 14 years old when he became one of our first two Media Interns, assisting Media Head Steve Screech on matchdays; managing the Social Media feeds, helping with filming and, above all, conducting interviews with First Team’s managers and players - especially in his double act with Rick Andrews!

Andrew Long turned the tables on young Isaac, interviewing him on his experience since joining the club. In his genuine, natural, humble and professional style, Isaac replied how easy his job was made by our teams’ winning ways. He also thanked the club for the head-start that this experience has given him in his ambition to work in sports media, with such a broad and full portfolio of content already prepared to present to prospective Universities and employees.

In an unscheduled addition, Reece Harris stood up and explained that the Men’s First Team had no idea that Isaac was going to win Clubman of the Year, but they had already decided to club together to buy a gift to thank him for all his work, and the fantastic content that he has provided to help to promote the team.

And finally, the club was delighted to also present a bouquet to Isaac’s mother and father, Johdi and Richard, for all the support that they have given to him, and thereby to us, driving him to so many Men’s, Women’s and Youth matches this year., home and away Between them, they have probably watched more football his season that anyone, and become avid supporters and very popular members of the AFC Sudbury Club family.

Well done to all our award winners, and good luck for next season as this one comes to a close.

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Media Intern Opportunities | Apply now for next season at Step Three (Men) and National League (Women).
Next season, everything at AFC Sudbury steps up a gear! Our Men’s First Team will be playing at Step Three while our Women’s First Team will be playing against professional clubs in the National League. As part of an essential agenda to provide the necessary infrastructure to support this, the club currently has opportunities for a number of additional Media Interns to join Isaac working across the Men’s, Women’s and Youth sections. If you are interested in joining a winning team, helping to promote all the benefits that football generates for our community, and gaining experience of all the tools, techniques and technologies used in sports media, contact our Patrick Bell at patrick.bell@afcsudbury.co.uk telling him a little about yourself.