TWTD is amongst the associate sponsors of Tuesday’s FA Youth Cup third round tie between Town and Leeds United (Portman Road, 7pm). The young Blues will be hoping to emulate the club’s success in winning the trophy is 1973, 1975 and 2005.
TWTD has long been a supporter of the Academy, but it’s the first time we’ve been involved in the sponsorship of a match, editor Phil Ham explaining: "I think it’s important that fans and local businesses show their support of the academy at a time when there great changes are taking place in football which could adversely affect the club’s ability to bring young players through in the manner which has become the tradition over the last 40 years.
"FA Youth Cup matches are a good chance to see the stars of the future progressing through the ranks. I can first remember watching the likes of Darren Bent and Darren Ambrose in the run to the semi-finals in 2001. Hopefully, one or two of the current crop will make their mark on Tuesday.”
Academy sponsorship manager Simon Milton added: "I am delighted that TWTD have once again shown their support for the Academy with this sponsorship. Like other sponsors, Phil and his guests will have hospitality in the boardroom and seats in the directors’ box for the game.
"We are always looking for new sponsors so please get in touch to see how you can support the Academy by emailing me at simon.milton@itfc.co.uk.
"It will be a tough game for Russell Osman and his team, but these games give both sets of players the chance to impress on the main pitch in front of a good crowd.
"The game must be decided on the night so extra-time and then penalties will come in to play if the match is drawn. Come and support the ITFC players of the future as they take part in the FA Youth Cup 2011/12.”
Tickets are £3 for adults and £1 for children and concessions. Gates open at 6pm.