Norfolk County FA are delighted to announce that Chaplin Farrant has renewed their support of Norfolk Football’s volunteer workforce.  

One of East Anglia’s leading multi-disciplinary companies has renewed their partnership with Norfolk FA for another season which will see them once again sponsor the Association’s annual Volunteer Awards.

Chaplin Farrant, based in the East of England, offering architecture, engineering, cost consultancy and CDM services, put people at the heart of everything they do. This is reflected in their support of rewarding Norfolk Football’s finest at the County FA’s Volunteer Awards since 2017.

Their support allows the hardest working volunteers in the local grassroots game to experience a special evening where winners of a multitude of awards are recognised and rewarded. And with last year’s event cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this week’s occasion will see two season’s worth of awards being handed out to worthy recipients.

Already a prominent figure in the Norfolk Football landscape, Chaplin Farrant has assisted in the implementation of numerous buildings and facilities within Norfolk including designing The Nest in Horsford for Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, Aylsham FC's Young's Park, and more recently Norfolk FA’s new County HQ office building situated at The Football Development Centre in Norwich.

As part of the two organisation’s previous partnerships, Chaplin Farrant has provided professional services that assisted with Norfolk FA’s plans for a variety of redevelopment works at the FDC. As well as the new office building which has seen staff relocate from the previous offices at Broadland Business Park, the main venue itself has been significantly improved with an expanded reception area, new kitchen and a refurbished bar and cellar.

This time round however, the partnership is about giving back to the local game more than ever, with all parties acknowledging the hugely important part volunteers have played in grassroots football getting through the past year and a half.

Matt Carpenter, Chief Executive of Norfolk FA said: “We are pleased to continue our positive relationship with Chaplin Farrant for another season and without their support we would not be able to host Thursday night’s Awards at the standard in which our volunteer workforce deserves.”

“Volunteers have always been the lifeblood of local grassroots football but given the recent challenges I think it’s safe to say that they’ve been more important than ever. As such, I’m pleased that we are able to celebrate their commitment to the local game with an occasion that’s fitting for their successes on and off the pitch.”

Mark Camidge, Director and Architect at Chaplin Farrant said: "After spending so much time in lockdown over the previous 18 months it is more important than ever that people can get out and once more enjoy sport both from a social, exercise and mental health perspective.

“Spending time with others and interacting both on and off the field is vital for everyone’s wellbeing and none of that would be possible without the amazing work of all the club volunteers that make this happen. This year more than ever we are proud to support Norfolk FA and reward the brilliance of those who give up their time to make sure this is possible.”

Ian Grange, Head of Facilities and Development at Norfolk FA said: “We have a fantastic working relationship with Chaplin Farrant and it’s brilliant when a company we utilise is generous enough to give back to the grassroots game.

“The work recently undertaken at our Football Development Centre in Norwich has been first class and forms Phase 1 of our upcoming facility improvement plan. We have some exciting developments to announce as part of phase 2 of this project, which Chaplin Farrant will once again be involved in.”

The Norfolk County FA Volunteer Awards supported by Chaplin Farrant will take place on Thursday evening at The Space in Norwich and will see awards presented to winners from both the 19/20 and 20/21 football seasons.

The evening features special guest speaker, Norwich City Hall of Famer Darren Eadie, and will also see Norfolk FA formally announce Norfolk & Waveney Mind as their charity partner for the next three seasons.

To find out more about Chaplin Farrant please visit ChaplinFarrant.com and for more information surrounding local football visit NorfolkFA.com.