Kathryn Hirst

Norfolk County Football Association was founded in 1881 and has been administering football in the County, at both grass roots and professional level, for over 120 years. The work of the County Football Association has historically and is still today, underpinned by an army of volunteers involved within leagues and clubs. Without their contribution, it would be impossible to organise and run football on the scale it is enjoyed in Norfolk today. The Association acquired the leasehold of a purpose built football facility in Bowthorpe, Norwich in 2009 - the site becoming known as the Football Development Centre, or 'the FDC'​. The Centre is a hub of both regulated and recreational activity for the Norfolk football community, boasting nine 3G floodlit pitches, changing facilities, education area and licensed bar. The facility was developed further in 2011 to also include an education and office area, additional car park provision and a fully floodlit 11-aside grass pitch complete with changing rooms and spectator stand. This is fondly known as the Field of Dreams. A key part to the future success of football is to engage with the next generation of participants and currently Norfolk FA has over 1500 affiliated teams and approximately 400 registered Referees. Financially, the association turned over just under £1.3m in 2014, which was due mainly to our non-traditional activities. This growth has meant that Norfolk FA are becoming increasingly sustainable, with FA grants and funding equating to only approximately 20% of our annual income. During the coming years there is the opportunity for significant investment into grassroots football throughout Norfolk and these are very exciting times for the County Association as football changes, with many different varieties of the game being played across the whole of the community. Never has the demand to play football in quality facilities and safe and enjoyable environments, been so high.