Football: Salvation Army march to successes off the field

Top honour: Ipswich Town director David Sheepshanks presents
Salvation Army's Mark Cross with the Suffolk FA Charter Club of
the Year certificate in the Bobby Robson Suite at Portman Road.

Salvation Army FC have been enjoying a successful time off the pitch.

The Chilton Fields-based club has won a major award, being held up as an example to follow and are in proud possession of some new, top-notch changing facilities.

During the Suffolk County FA's 125th Anniversary Dinner at Portman Road, the club was presented with a framed certificate as Suffolk FA Charter Club of the Year.

The prestigious award was presented to mark the innovative approach the club has taken to improving the lot for match officials.

The Suffolk & Ipswich League acted on Army's proposals to introduce a training course for club linesmen.

And volunteers from the club were among the first to sign up with Adrian Moye, John Elletson and Danny Reynolds stepping forward for the chance to wear the fluorescent orange tabards.

It is not just during the game life is easier for referees. Army have also had new changing facilities provided for match officials with en suite shower and toilet facilities and a large changing area.

All change: Salvation Army's changing facilities have won praise.

The facilities were on view last Saturday when a VIP tour allowed many of the people involved in funding to see them in all their glory.

The well-attended social event brought together representatives from Mid Suffolk District Council and Stowmarket Town Council, including mayor Vera Waspe, as well as others who had been involved in the major project.