The Hospital Cup, the friendly trophy played for annually between Town and Norwich in pre-season, is being revived at U16s level with the first game at Portman Road on Thursday 30th April (KO 7pm).

The Hospital Cup was once a regular feature of first-team summers with the last match at Carrow Road back in 1990 when it ended in a 1-1 draw.

Proceeds from the U16s match will be split between the Town academy and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

“The Hospital Cup has a rich history with this football club and it’s great to see it back,” academy manager Bryan Klug told the club site.

“It’s a special game whenever we play Norwich, at whatever level, and I’m sure it will be a great occasion, especially for the boys involved who will be getting their first chance to play at Portman Road.

“It’s also a chance for us to raise funds for such a worthy cause in East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.”

Camilla Haycock, partnerships manager for EACH Suffolk, added: “East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices are delighted to be working with Ipswich and Norwich for the Ipswich Hospital Cup game.

“EACH has hospices in both Suffolk and Norfolk and supports 350 families across the two counties, caring for children with a life-threatening condition.

“We hope that as many people as possible can show their support for the charity and for the Town academy by purchasing a ticket to the game or making a donation.”

The Hospital Cup game replaces the annual U15s fixture against Manchester United and more recently Tottenham Hotspur. It’s hoped that the trophy will eventually be played for over two legs home and away.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for Under-16s and are available from ITFC Direct.

Meanwhile, Town’s U12s are taking part in the Premier Sports International Cup in Dublin this weekend thanks to sponsorship from Farnham Leisure Ltd.

Photo: Action Images

uppersirbob added 09:50 - Mar 25 So this game can be played on the main pitch but the club would not allow the local cup finals to be played on the main pitch because of a possible play off match ! They don't care about the local grass roots All about the money !!
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itfc1981 added 09:54 - Mar 25 I chance for Norwich to show off their greatest trophy again.
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MrBloo added 10:44 - Mar 25 Is it called the hospital cup because of the intense rivalry a lot of people end up in hospital?
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BrettenhamBlue added 11:29 - Mar 25 Unfortunate name
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carsey added 11:59 - Mar 25 Any game against Norwich is a must see and this is a good cause so I hope people will support it
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TennesseeBlue added 12:53 - Mar 25 I used to love the Hospital Cup. When we go up to the Premier League, hopefully it will be revived again full time
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big_gaz67 added 13:39 - Mar 25 uppersirbob - Totally spot on!
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Royal_Blue added 14:00 - Mar 25 £40 for away fans?
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SuffolkBlueSam added 14:13 - Mar 25 @big gaz 67 and @Uppersirbob - No, you're not spot on. This game is in aid of the Hospice, not to line the pockets of the club. Its about supporting our youngsters, serving the community, and creating bonds which secure the clubs legacy for future fans and their families. I for one, am proud of the club for re-introducing and re-invigorating this pre-season event.

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uppersirbob added 15:29 - Mar 25 Suffolk blue so why not play the game a few weeks later seems one rule of suffolk fa as in the pitch not going to be used and then another rule for this game
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rinkydinkpanther added 21:41 - Mar 25 Ah, the sweet smell of a non-story...
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SuffolkBlueSam added 08:14 - Mar 26 Uppersirbob - I get what you're saying, completely. the point about lining the pockets I disagreed with. Not only the local cup finals, but nobody has considered if we make the playoffs, what kind of state will the pitch be in?
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