Academy director Bryan Klug says the U13 squad’s trip to Spain to take on Barcelona and Espanyol in friendlies will be a terrific experience both for the players and the coaches going with them.
Former Blue Kieron Dyer, along with Chelmsford Plastic Warehouse, Elite Renewables, WS Finance Consultants Ltd and Suffolk New College, has paid for the four-day trip.
Klug told the club site: "There is obviously a significant cost involved with a hotel stay and travel and Kieron kindly offered to contribute heavily to the trip.
"His son [Kie] plays for our U13s. He has been with us this season and they are a good group. It will be a terrific experience for them to come up against Barcelona — and it will also be a great learning exercise for our coaches.”
In addition to the games, the party will also visit Barcelona’s home ground, Camp Nou, to take a tour.
Academy sponsorship manager, Simon Milton, says the trip has only taken place due to the sponsors’ cash: "It’s a fantastic trip but without the generosity of Kieron and Chelmsford Plastic Warehouse, Elite Renewables, WS Finance Consultants Ltd and Suffolk New College, it wouldn’t have happened. It’s as simple as that.
"Receiving that kind of support is vital for our academy to prosper.”
TWTD is sponsoring the matchball for the academy showcase at Portman Road on Wednesday 1st May when an U15 side will take on Tottenham under floodlights.
If you’re interested in sponsoring some aspect of that game or anything else relating to the academy, email Simon Milton or call him on 01473 400942.