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This season marks a major milestone for grassroots football in Norfolk and Suffolk – the 60th anniversary of the Anglian Combination Football League. To celebrate, Fosters Solicitors, in partnership with the league, has launched a very special competition to honour the rich history of one of the region’s most cherished footballing institutions.
From the league’s foundation in 1964 to the countless unforgettable moments played out on pitches across the region ever since, we’re inviting clubs, families, supporters, and players past and present to help us build a “living history” of the Anglian Combination.
Whether it’s team photos, old matchday programmes, vintage kits, medals, handwritten team sheets, or just great stories passed down over the years – we want to hear from you.
All contributions will be digitally recorded and may be featured in a special 60th anniversary exhibition at the league’s annual general meeting this summer.
As part of this year’s celebrations, one lucky contributor will win a £100 multi-store gift card and a brand-new Macron kit for the Anglian Combination team of their choice, courtesy of Fosters Solicitors and Macron Store Norwich.
So, what are we looking for? Anything that helps celebrate and reflect the spirit of grassroots football in our community. Stories of family legacies, local heroes, historic wins, near misses, unforgettable characters, or photos of muddy pitches and players in classic kits – all are welcome.
One such family memory captures exactly what this competition is all about. Fosters Solicitors’ Chief Executive, Chris Brown, shares his dad Roy’s Anglian Combination playing history.
“He helped form a junior team called York Athletic, a club that joined the then Norfolk & Suffolk League,” recalls Chris. “It was called York Athletic because all the lads who formed the team were youngsters growing up around the Golden Triangle area in Norwich, with York Street right at the centre of that.”
The team stayed together for many years. “Through forming that team, my dad met Mickey Mitson – who introduced him to his sister. So, that’s how my mum and dad met, through local football.”
While York Athletic existed before the Anglian Combination officially began in 1964, the family connection to the league is clear. “My dad played for York Athletic in that inaugural season. They won what was then called the Junior Division that year, and he’s still got the trophy to prove it. I think they went on to win Division One the following year too.”
York Athletic, though now no longer around, left a lasting legacy. “When the club finally folded, they actually traced back all their registered players and held a final dinner, presenting each one with a commemorative trophy, which my dad still has. That’s a really nice touch. The club lasted about 25 or maybe even 30 years and had some significance in the local football scene, as well as to our family.”
Commenting on the competition, Chris added: “We very much hope people get involved and share their stories of the Anglian Combination. My uncle Mickey passed away last year, and as time moves on it’s sadly the case that items and memories disappear – so to preserve as much of this as possible would be wonderful and help us all keep the legacy of local football alive.”
To share your story, photos, or memorabilia and be in with a chance of winning:
We can’t wait to hear your stories, see your souvenirs, and celebrate the people, teams and memories that have shaped the Anglian Combination Football League over the past 60 years.
Follow this link for full competition terms and conditions.
