To mark the Summer holidays, Ipswich Town Foundation hosted a Summer Dream Day at Portman Road on Wednesday, 20 August.

Dream Day is an initiative that sees young people and families who have found themselves in exceptionally challenging circumstances welcomed to Portman Road of an evening of once in a lifetime opportunities and activities, including arts and crafts, games consoles, and a tour of the stadium.

Each Dream Day sees a selection of Town’s first team players and staff involved, with Kieran McKenna, Conor Chaplin, Leif Davis and more all involved over the past 12 months.

Conor, a Foundation trustee, joined us once again, alongside newly-appointed captain Dara O’Shea, and Foundation Disability Ambassador Chieo Ogbene. Conor, Dara and Chieo joined in with the families across a range of activities, spending time getting to know these inspirational young people and the challenges they’ve had to face

“I think it’s probably one of my favourite days to be involved in with the Foundation,” Conor told TownTV.

“There’s so many inspiring young children, parents, grandparents and siblings here on days like this. They’re in really challenging circumstances but it’s so nice to see them, spend time with them and in a family environment with big smiles on their faces.”

“Obviously a big part of the Football Club is the Foundation,” added Dara, attending his first Foundation session since being appointed Club captain.

“To come here and show your face and spend some time with some of the kids is nice and it’s something I’ll be doing more of now I’ve become captain.”

“I enjoyed myself!” Irish international Chieo said.

“I think it’s very important for us to bring [the families] in and get to know the players, and get to know us for who we are.”

As part of the experience, the young people present were presented with a goody bag, as well as a Dream Day shirt with their name printed on the back. After discovering these shirts hanging up in the home dressing room, the families were given the authentic matchday experience, lining up in the tunnel and walking out onto the Portman Road pitch.

If you know a young person in challenging circumstances that you feel is deserving of attending our next Dream Day, click the link below to complete a Nomination Form.

For more information on our Dream Day initiative, contact Family Activities Manager Lauren Fellingham at lauren.fellingham@itfcfoundation.co.uk.