Hethersett Athletic

Mel Perkins receives the Lee Thompson Memorial Shield from Mary Thompson at the club's adult presentation evening at Park Farm Hotel on May 15th

The 2009 Lee Thompson Memorial Trophy was presented to club founder and current secretary Mel Perkins.

Mel was the unanimous winner of the award - now in its 11th year since the tragic death of club player Lee.

Mel founded Hethersett Athletic in 1991 with just one Under-12 Youth side. Over the years he has seen the club blossom and move to its current position as one of the top clubs in Norfolk - running 18 teams for all ages and both sexes.

As club secretary Mel has the weekly headache of sorting out venues, as well as dealing with the numerous leagues the club is now members of.

"We always hear that nobody is indispensable, but Mel is as close to it as you can get. Without his vision and hard work over the past 18 years the club just wouldn't exist," said club chairman Peter Steward at the awards evening.

Mel joins an illustrious list of former winners that include youth team players, adult team players and club administrators. Mel is also an honorary life member of Hethersett Athletic.