On Monday, the Foundation welcomed participants of the EMPOWER Hub sessions to Portman Road for a stadium tour, offering them a unique look behind the scenes.

The EMPOWER Hub is made possible by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Fund. Administered through the Premier League Foundation, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.

The Foundation also works alongside Lentonbrook Foundation to provide enrichment opportunities to those families, including stadium tours and trips to Felixstowe, Jimmy’s Farm, and other local activities, designed to give participants access to opportunities that would otherwise not be possible.

As part of the stadium tour, which saw almost 30 participants experience all that Portman Road has to offer, those present were surprised in the press conference room by Town defender, Ben Johnson.

Ben took part in a question-and-answer session with the participants, before taking the time to have pictures and sign autographs.

With the Premier League, Professional Footballers’ Association, and Lentonbrook Foundation’s support, the EMPOWER Hub aims to use the power of the Ipswich Town badge to bring families together, reduce isolation, and create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and feel included.

For more information on the EMPOWER Hub, contact Community Project Officer Lily-Rose Badcock at lily-rose.badcock@itfcfoundation.co.uk.