Heacham begine new chapter in their rise up the football pyramid

Heacham Football Club will start a new chapter in the club’s history when they play in the Anglian Combination Premier Division next season.

The tiny village, synonymous for its beaches and Norfolk Lavender, is on the cusp of something quite incredible having clinched six promotions in as many campaigns.

Next season will see the family-oriented set up operate at the highest level since its formation back in 1907.

Naturally, the latest step up will be yet another tough challenge, but it is one the club and its hard-working committee behind the scenes are preparing hard for, both on and off the pitch.

Overlooking The Wash, some of Norfolk’s leading clubs will be weaving their way through the Norfolk countryside to reach their Station Road home, including a big fish situated a dozen miles down the road.

The most significant and high-profile change sees Vanarama National League outfit King’s Lynn Town using the club as their official training ground, ina new partnership for both sides.

When Lynn are away from The Walks, Heacham welcome their supporters to come and have a glimpse of the Magpies and a deal is currently being put together for any Linnets season ticket holders.

Another big move saw the formation of Heacham FC Supporters Club last July, which currently has 235 followers on Facebook and 112 paid up memberships. The aim is to boost that figure to 150 memberships and 300 followers on Facebook come the big kick-off in August.

Membership costs £5 and, in return, you will receive a limited edition Heacham Supporters Club pin badge and automatic entry in regular prize draws.

All monies raised by the Supporters Club, which also includes donations and sponsorships, supports both the first and reserve teams.

At the club’s annual presentation evening Jahy Chima was presented with the Harry Hornsby Cup (players’ player of the year), former Linnet Jack Defty received the Nigel Askew Cup (player of the year) and Ed Tann picked up the manager’s player of the year accolade.

Loyal club sponsor Double G Clothing named Royce Rawlings as its first team player of the year and Fletcher Toll as reserve team player of the year.

As the dust settles on a successful presentation evening, where late stalwarts Harry Hornsby and Nigel Askew were given a standing ovation for their services to the club, Heacham now turn their thoughts to next season.

Home friendlies in the summer are as follows: Downham Town (July 15, 6.30pm); Leverington (July 17, 2.30pm); King’s Lynn Under-19s (July 24, 3pm); Castle Acre (July 27, 6.30pm), RAF Marham (July 29, 6.30pm), Netherton United (July 31, 2.30pm), King’s Lynn Town (August 10, 6.45pm).

Heacham may be small – but having reached the Anglian Combination, the proud club fully intends to continue its growth.