Faversham Strike Force have been celebrating after they were named football club of the year at the prestigious national Club Mirror awards.

A healthy contingent travelled to the ceremony in Leicester, where the Force were also shortlisted for community club of the year and innovative club of the year last month.

The long journey proved worthwhile as the club and their 160-strong band of volunteers were honoured for exceptional work, serving Faversham. This has ranged from litter picks to foodbank collections and donating kits to teams in Africa - as well as providing opportunities for almost 700 players - this year.

It has been a landmark 25th year for Faversham Strike Force, who have raised £157,000 to overhaul the artificial pitch at The Mount, based off the London Road.

They have also introduced new inclusive sessions and teams for disabled footballers, and increased the number of female players and volunteers to a quarter of the club’s roster.

Strike Force’s development officer Lee Suter said: “Strike Force just goes from strength-to-strength and it’s testament to all our volunteers that we were able to beat off competition from across the country to win this award.

“Every week, our club brings together hundreds of people from across the area to keep fit, make friends and just enjoy the beautiful game.

“To win this in our anniversary year just makes it all the sweeter.”