Trust Officially Launched

“We will be looking to build a stronger, healthier and more active community using the power of Ipswich Town which is the heartbeat of Suffolk”

The Ipswich Town Foundation was officially launched today with Paul Lambert and players in attendance.

Flynn Downes and Luke Woolfenden, along with Lee O’Neill, the Club’s general manager of football operations, were at Britannia School in Ipswich to watch youngsters put through their paces by the Community Trust coaches.

“The Trust will have a key role to play in the community and will be looking at delivering a number of initiatives, including sport, education, community engagement and health across the Ipswich and Suffolk area,” Lee told the Club website.

“We have a team in place at Portman Road now who will drive the Trust forward and we are also speaking to people connected to the Club and in the local community who are keen to get involved in whatever way they can.

“The Football Club has a vital role to play in the local community and having the Trust up and running now and working across so many areas is going to be a massive benefit to us.

“We already have a very good relationship with local charities and organisations but under the Ipswich Town Foundation it enables us to enhance our role in the area, particularly in schools.”

Former Peterborough Academy player Jason Curtis is heading up the Trust and is excited about the challenge ahead.

“As a Trust we will be looking to build a stronger, healthier and more active community using the power of Ipswich Town Football Club which is the heartbeat of Suffolk and surrounding areas,” added Jason.

Mike Phillips (schools development manager), Harry Watts (community engagement co-ordinator) and Alex Brett (football development manager) complete the Trust team based at Portman Road.

“It’s been a long process but we are there now. We have a good team in place who are committed to adding to the work we already do in the community,” added Lee.

Former Town skippers Matt Holland and Carlos Edwards, current captain Luke Chambers and ex-Blue, Darren Ambrose, have all expressed an interest in getting involved in the Trust.

“There has been interest from former players in how they can help out and Paul is very keen to be involved as well. It’s exciting times.”

Those that are interested in working as coaches in the Trust’s programme, either part-time or on a full-time basis, should send their CV to community@itfc.co.uk.