A participant of the Ipswich Town Foundation’s initiatives was invited to present Freddie Ladapo and Wes Burns with their January awards last week.
Riley was a participant of the Foundation’s Advanced Training Centre but recently had to leave the programme due to illness.
On Thursday, he was invited to Playford Road alongside his father, Adam, and one of his coaches at the Foundation, Bradley Joy, as part as an ongoing effort from the Club for participants who have excelled within the Foundation’s various initiatives and/or people who have made an impact in the local community to present the monthly awards.
His day began with a tour of the training ground facilities, including a look inside the changing room. He then was taken into the training centre to watch Kieran McKenna prepare the team for Saturday’s away trip to MK Dons.
Riley then had a chance to meet Kieran, alongside Town First-Team Coach Lee Grant and legends Simon Milton and Matt Holland.
After training, Riley presented Wes Burns with his Goal of the Month trophy for his strike against Plymouth, and Freddie Ladapo with his Player of the Month award following his impressive displays throughout January.
Riley then had the chance to sit in the canteen with the first-team squad for some lunch, and to meet some more of the players.
“The Foundation were delighted to invite Riley to Playford Road to meet the first-team and present the Goal and Player of the month awards,” said Bradley.
“Riley was a player within the Advanced Training Centre at Needham Market when he had to leave the academy pathway due to illness. Everyone who knew Riley in the footballing community and at Ipswich Town Football Club was devastated with the news.
“As a football club, we are determined to support Riley and his family through this difficult time. We look forward to inviting Riley, his friends and his family to a Town fixture later in the season.”