A rare opportunity to play against — or even with — a football team made up of Ipswich Town Legends is being offered by West Suffolk Hospital Charity next week.
The Legends will take on a team of football fans in a special charity match on Sunday 26th April at Bury Town to raise money for both the hospital’s Forget-Me-Not Dementia Campaign and the Ipswich Town Academy.
Places in the fans’ team - the Forget-Me-Not FC — go on sale next Monday (2nd March) while three further spots are being offered in the Legends squad, meaning you could be sharing a dressing room with the likes of Simon Milton, John Wark, Kieron Dyer and Titus Bramble.
Furthermore, an online auction of signed Ipswich Town photos — both past and present — will run during the week leading up to the big game.
Last year’s charity match raised more than £6,000 and West Suffolk Hospital Charity fundraising manager Dave Gooderham is hoping the fact this year’s game is a week before the end of the footballing season could prove an added attraction.
Gooderham said: "We were delighted with how last year went, it was a great day played out in a great spirit both on the pitch and in the stands.
"The chance to line up alongside some real legends, including one or two who have only just given up professional football, is one not to be missed.
"Best of all, you will be supporting two very worthwhile charities while enjoying an experience of a lifetime.”
Each player, who must be over the age of 16, will need to pay £100 for one of 17 spots in the Forget-Me-Not squad with the Legends squad places costing £200.
The spots will be offered out on a first-come-first-served basis when the phone lines open at 9am on Monday 2nd March.
Simon Milton, academy sponsorship manager, is promising an even stronger line-up than last season when the ITFC Legends team ran out 9-0 winners.
Tickets for the game on Sunday 26th April, which kicks off at 3pm, will be available on the day priced £10 adults and £5 for children.
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 which will also include a beer festival and live music.
To book your place in either the Forget-Me-Not FC or Legends squad, please call 01284 712952 or 01284 713466 from 9am on Monday 2nd March.