Foundation Fixture | Scott, Nathan and Simon’s Story

As part of the build up to the Club’s dedicated Foundation Fixture, the Foundation is highlighting the stories of participants from across our programmes. This week, we are focusing on Scott, Nathan and Simon, our Portman Pals.

The trio are all participants of our Adult Disability sessions which take place on Monday and Thursday evenings at Portman Road.

“The sessions have been great for me, I love it” Scott said, speaking after the session on Monday evening.

“They’ve helped me a lot with my confidence and my wellbeing,” Nathan added.

“It feels great,” Simon added when asked what it feels like to be involved in football at the Club he supports. “I never thought that there’d be somewhere like this for me to play, so it’s been good that they’ve involved me in it.”

As part of their roles as Portman Pals, they all also work on matchdays, with Scott and Nathan assisting the Foundation’s Events Officer Tom Grover in the FanZone, and Simon helping Lee Smith in the Disabled Supporters’ Ticket Office.

“The role has changed quite a bit from when I first started,” Simon said. “I can talk to people just like myself, and I never used to be able to talk to people like myself.”

Our disability football sessions are designed to improve sporting and social skills, as well as self-esteem and confidence. Our inclusive football sessions are delivered on a weekly basis and themed around all aspects of football.

For more information on our Disability provision, please contact our Community Engagement Officer Leanne Smith at leanne.smith@itfc.co.uk.

The Club’s annual Foundation Fixture will take place on Saturday, 15 April for the home match with Charlton Athletic.

Foundation Fixture aims to raise awareness of the work Ipswich Town Foundation carries out in the community, whilst also providing a fundraising opportunity to allow the Foundation to continue to grow and make increased positive impact in the community.

As part of the event, supporters are encouraged to donate to the Foundation to help to improve and further grow the work carried out to support the community across the region. On the day, fans will be able to donate to the Foundation inside and around the ground through bucket collections which will include contactless devices for those looking to donate by card.