Fans are being given the chance to test their skills against an Ipswich Town legends team at a special fundraising fixture this summer.
West Suffolk Hospital Charity has teamed up with Town to give supporters the opportunity to play for the hospital against a team of former Portman Road fans’ favourites in May.
Each player, who must be over the age of 16, will need to pay £100 for one of 17 spots in the squad, while a further two places on the legends team will be auctioned later this month.
All of the money raised from the event, which takes place on Sunday 18th May at Bury Town Football Club’s Ram Meadow, will be split between the hospital’s Forget-Me-Not Dementia Campaign and the ITFC academy.
Dave Gooderham, fundraising manager at the hospital, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Ipswich Town to offer football fans a unique chance to line up against their heroes during this special charity football match.
"You could be trying to outwit Simon Milton or set up John Wark while also raising vital funds for charity — it really is an excellent opportunity which is too good to be missed.
"Anyone who doesn’t fancy pulling on their boots on the day will be more than welcome to come along and watch the teams in action while supporting some fantastic local causes at the same time.”
Simon Milton, academy sponsorship manager, said: "I have already had a lot of interest from ex-players who are keen to get involved for what I’m sure will be a fantastic occasion.”
Places on the hospital’s Forget-Me-Not FC will be available on a first come, first served basis from 9am on Monday 17th March. To book your place, please call the hospital fundraising team on 01284 713794 from that time.
The auction for the two spaces on the Ipswich Town Legends team will run between 9am on Monday 24th March and 5pm on Friday 28th March. Bidding for each spot starts at £200, and anyone who would like to bid should email dave.gooderham@wsh.nhs.uk once the auction begins.
Tickets for the game on Sunday 18th May, which kicks off at 3pm, will be available on the day priced £10 adults and £5 for children. An auction, run by Edward Crichton from Bury-based Lacy Scott and Knight, will also take place after the match.
All proceeds from the event will be split between the hospital and the ITFC academy, while Bury Town Football Club will benefit from food and bar sales on the day.