The 62-year-old, who oversees Thurlow Youth Football Club and Thurlow Tennis Club, was announced as the winner at Friday night’s awards evening at Trinity Park on the outskirts of Ipswich.

The award, sponsored by BBC Radio Suffolk, is made to a volunteer who has made, and continues to make, an outstanding contribution to sport in Suffolk.

Allan, who lives in Haverhill, spends most evenings tending to the pitch and grounds, and without the financial support his work provides both the football club and the tennis club would struggle to be financially viable.

Allan is pictured (above centre, right) receiving his award from Stephen Foster of BBC Radio Suffolk.

The achievements of those involved in Suffolk football also featured in two other categories.

Lowestoft Town Ladies FC were shortlisted in the Team Performance / Achievement of the Year category sponsored by Harrod UK. The award was won by Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club.

During the 2014-15 season Lowestoft Ladies won every league games as they claimed the East Region Women’s Premier Division title, finishing 25 points clear of second place.

They became only the second team in the 24-year history of the league to win every league game during the season.

The team also won the League Cup with a 3-1 win against Royston Town in the final.

Lowestoft Town Ladies’ manager Dave Eastwood is pictured (above left) with the certificate presented to the club.

Danny Hills, a young volunteer with Sporting 87 FC, was shortlisted for the Cresign Young Community of the Year award.

He started volunteering two years ago at the age of 13 through the Suffolk FA Football Futures programme. In those two years he has completed more than 300 hours of volunteering.

Danny has contributed massively to the Young Leaders’ Programme at the club, and runs his own goalkeeper sessions every Thursday evening. He has also completed his Level 9 refereeing course.

He is pictured (above right) with his certificate.

The award was won by Dominika Szary, a volunteer with Haverhill Hornets Volleyball Club.

Terry Bullen