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Kids' Holiday Courses on Portman Road Pitch - Ipswich Town News

Town are running a Junior Blues Football Festival for six to 13-year-olds on the main Portman Road pitch on Thursday 22nd August.

The club previously held a similar event on the pitch in May which sold out very quickly, so this time around Town are looking to give around 200 children the opportunity to take part in the fun sessions on the hallowed turf.

"We need to engage with the young fans and build on that and this is another initiative to do that. To give them a chance to play on the pitch and see behind the scenes at the club," general manager football operations, Lee O'Neill, told the club site.

""The two-hour coaching session will be run by the club’s academy coaching staff with the emphasis on fun as well as improving skills.

Following the session on the pitch, the youngsters will be given a mini-tour of the ground giving them a look behind the scenes, taking in the home dressing room, the tunnel, the media room and honours board.

Every youngster will be given a free child’s ticket to the home game against Shrewsbury, as well as a certificate signed by boss Paul Lambert, while current and former players will attend the sessions.

There are three sessions over the course of the day, 9am to 11am, 11.30am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 4pm. If required there may be a fourth between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

Every youngster attending a session will receive three entry tickets so parents, siblings or friends can watch from the Co-Operative Stand, while there will be a chance to take photos at the end of the session.

Bookings can be made via ITFC Direct, in Planet Blue or by phone on (01473) 400584 from 9am on Tuesday 23rd July by Junior Blues members/junior season ticket holders. From 9am on Wednesday 24th July bookings go on general sale.

The sessions cost £30 for each child, including the tour and free match ticket. Each watching adult or child can buy an additional ticket for the mini-tour at £6 each.

""If the child taking part in the session is a Junior Blue or season ticket holder remember to book using their customer number. If they're not a season ticket holder or Junior Blue, register on ITFC Direct or via (01473) 400584. Additional places for the tour need to be booked at the same time as there are limited places available.

You can find out more about Junior Blues membership here.

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