Academy director Bryan Klug expects all the usual East Anglian derby passion to be on display when the U16s take on Norwich City in the revived Hospital Cup at Portman Road this evening (KO 7pm), a game being played to raise funds for the academy and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

“At any level it’s a big game with local pride involved,” Klug told TWTD. “There’s usually a little bit more at stake, and also having a cup to play for it’ll be a really good experience for the young players because there aren’t too many opportunities to play in a game which has a meaningful outcome.”

The game sees the return of the Hospital Cup, a pre-season staple at first-team level for many years until 1990, latterly an annual fixture between the Blues and Canaries.

“I remember the Hospital Cup from first team games,” Klug recalled. “There were some good games. This is a good idea from Milts and his crew for a charity and to raise a bit of money for the academy, so it’s all good.”

He says appearing on the main pitch is good experience for the youngsters: “One or two played in the showcase game [against Tottenham] last year and it’s always good for them.

“The U18s played at Birmingham on Saturday and any game at a stadium is a big occasion for them.

“Hopefully we’ll get a few people there because I’ve been up to Norwich quite often to watch the U21s and U18s and they get very big crowds there, so I’d like us to get the same at our ground."

He added: "Norwich have a got a very good group as well, so it’ll be a very tough game.”

Long-term the plan is the play for the cup over two legs home and away, which Klug would like to see happen: “That would be good and maybe next year we can do that.”

Amongst those involved for the Blues will be Andre Dozzell, the son of former Blue Jason, who has been a regular in the U18s this season and has won England U16s caps. He is one of the 11 players starting a full-time scholarship this summer with most involved this evening ahead of their official induction on Friday.

“He’s done very well, he’s improving, he’s come back with glowing reports from the England games,” Klug added.

“But he’s got a long way to go, he knows that and hopefully when he comes in full-time he’ll continue to improve. But you never know, there’s a long way to go.”

Also amongst the new intake is Harry Wright, the son of Richard Wright, who like his dad is a goalkeeper.

“Harry Wright is committed for next year, whether he’s going to be there on Thursday, I’m not sure,” Klug continued.

“He played for us at Birmingham on Saturday but it’ll depend on what his commitments are.

“He was with us up until his U14 season then went up to Manchester City with Richard and carried on in their youth system but always with the proviso that we would have a look at him at 16.”

Wright junior is one of two goalkeepers in the new intake with Clacton-based Nick Hayes one of only 10 to be invited to an England goalkeepers’ training camp at St George’s Park this week.

“We’ve also got another young lad who is training with the England squad, Nick Hayes, who is another fine goalkeeper,” Klug said. “He’s joining as a scholar as well, so we’ll have really good competition amongst the goalkeepers.”

At the weekend, Town owner Marcus Evans reiterated his long-term commitment to the academy and a move to Category One level - although the club are still yet to learn the criteria which would allow them to do so - and Klug says he recently spent time at Playford Road.

“He’s shown a lot of interest. He spent a few days with all the staff and it’s been a big boost for us all.”

Overall, the 54-year-old believes the Blues’ youth set-up has made big strides during 2014/15.

“I think it’s been a very good season,” he said. “A lot of players have moved on into the U21s, we’ve had one or two who everyone knows about who are close to the first-team squad. The level of performance I’ve been quite pleased with. I think we’re making progress.”

Tickets for tonight's game are available on the gate at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for U16s.

Photo: Action Images

MrBloo added 11:17 - Apr 30 This is a charity event and all the money raised should go to the nominated charity. The club needs to fund it's own academy, not use money that should be destined for the children's Hospice charity. This is a major boob by the club and smacks of greed..
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linhdi added 12:37 - Apr 30 It's the annual Academy Showcase game, reinvented to revive the Hospital Cup, and with ITFC generously agreeing to share the proceeds with a very worthy local cause.
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Hegansheroes added 15:23 - Apr 30 Hope there will be a big crowd there. Saw a semi final years ago when if you went you could buy tickets for a European match (Barca maybe, can't remember) & over 20,000 were there
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mojo added 16:32 - Apr 30 Never realised it was so named because it was a fundraiser. I always thought it was so called because there were lots of hospital tackles.
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AndrewPC added 16:42 - Apr 30 Keane's decision to send Klug packing was a disaster but also an indicator of Keane's lack of competency to manage. Great that Klug is back in the role that he is good at. Round pegs in round holes. Brian we are confident in you. The ITFC tradition of investing in youth players will, I am sure, resume/continue under your sure guidance and understanding of what it takes t o develop very young players to the point that they might be given professional contracts.

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