Ipswich schoolchildren surprised with tickets to see Town play next

Ipswich schoolchildren had a visit from the Ipswich Town Foundation and MP Jack Abbott on Friday

Ipswich schoolchildren were overjoyed when they were surprised with tickets to see the Blues play against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Students at The Willows Primary School and Halifax Primary School in Ipswich were visited on Friday by the Ipswich Town Foundation, which included a chance to pose for photos beside the all-important Premier League Trophy.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott was also in attendance, and the children had the chance to ask him about his role as a local representative.

Members of the foundation gave two assemblies, and taught the children about the positive role football can play in their lives.

They linked these to the four Premier League values – be ambitious, be inspiring, be connected and be fair.

As a special surprise from the club, a number of students won tickets to see Ipswich Town take on Brighton in their next league game on Thursday evening.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott was also in attendance, and the children had the chance to ask him about his role as a local representative.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott was also in attendance, and the children had the chance to ask him about his role as a local representative

Mr Abbott said: “It was fantastic to host the Premier League here in Ipswich, and to surprise hundreds of local school children who had their picture taken with the trophy.

“The boost that having a Premier League club brings is not just economic, as important as that is, but it can also be measured in the way Ipswich Town inspires and brings such joy to so many people. You could see that by how excited the kids were!

“My thanks go to the Premier League and ITFC for their engagement and generosity, and for giving the children lasting memories.”

Dan Palfrey, director of foundation at Ipswich Town, said: “It was fantastic to host Jack Abbott MP, and to show him first-hand some of our crucial delivery of Premier League Primary Stars in schools around Ipswich.”