Kyle Edwards visits Play On session

As part of EFL Week of Action, we were delighted to welcome Ipswich Town first team player Kyle Edwards to our Play On Session at Copleston High School this evening.

The sessions, which are open to young people in school years 7 to 11, were launched in October 2020 through funding from the Magic Little Grants scheme.

Our Play On sessions run on a weekly basis, offering a social football session for young people to take part in some sport and physical activity. The sessions are led by qualified ITFC coaches and offer an informal and flexible approach to encourage young people to make new friends, let off some energy, be active and enjoy some football.

The sessions form part of our Community Open Access provision but also offer participants the opportunity to move onto our Boys and Girls development pathways if they show potential.

Tom Ashcroft, Lead Coach said “Play On gives young people the opportunity to take part in a structured session on a Friday evening and offers a great opportunity to play football in a relaxed environment. It’s incredibly rewarding to have the young people turn up every week, play football and enjoy themselves on a fantastic local facility.”

Leanne Smith, Community Engagement Coordinator added “it’s been great to see the growth of this programme in the last 12 months following COVID restrictions being lifted. Seeing the young people not only taking part in physical activity as well as improving their social skills as been really rewarding and we looking to expanding the Play On programme next season.”

A huge thank you to Kyle for giving up his time to come and meet the young people who attend our sessions and pose for photos as well as answering some questions from the participants and our coaches. You are welcome back anytime for a kick about!