Ryman League Premier Division Needham Market have announced "a formal working relationship" between their academy and Town’s youth set-up.

There have been strong links between the clubs for several seasons with Steve Foley coaching at Playford Road and the head academy coach at Needham, while Ruben Flores also works with young players at both the Blues and the Marketmen.

A number of Needham’s more promising youngsters have spent time on trial with Town.

A statement on the Needham website reads: “Needham Market Academy are delighted to announce a formal working relationship with Ipswich Town Academy.

“Over the last few months both academies have been assisting one another with different projects and the players within Needham Market Academy have had access to the great facilities at Ipswich Town's training ground on Playford Road.

“Ipswich Town Academy feel that Needham Market Academy has a very good reputation (in and around the local area of Suffolk) in developing young players. With a number of academy players advancing into the first team.

“Ipswich Town are also very pleased to be working with Needham Market FC with the development of the 3G site and Ipswich Town Academy wish to further expand their pre-academy, player development programme and girls’ programmes within the new development at Needham Market FC.

“Ipswich Town Academy will also look to help Needham Market Academy, where possible, with players that fit (geographically) during their retain and release procedures.

“Ipswich Town Academy and Needham Market Academy have coaches who work for both Academies which provide a clear link of communication and strong relationship between the two organisations.”

Needham Market operations and academy director Robert Peace said: "It is fantastic for Needham Market Academy to have a working relationship with a club of Ipswich Town's level.

“It shows our Academy is doing things the right way and Ipswich Town are willing to call upon are players to help aid their programmes when required and provide greater opportunities for our Academy players.”

Photo: TWTD

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 05:09 - Jan 18 Anchoring the club in the local community: This is the kind of initiative we want!
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shefkuqi32 added 07:51 - Jan 18 Due to the highest price / poor entertainment on show in the last few year, I've probably seen Needham more than Town in that period. Great little club and living near London all their away games are south east based which is handy too. Highly recommend giving them a watch.
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shefkuqi32 added 07:52 - Jan 18 Years'
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flimflam added 10:31 - Jan 18 This is the Needham Market who got Needham Phoenix Youth on board to gain funding for their club build / development then dropped them like a sack of .... This is the same Needham Market who now have Stowupland Falcons and Stow Town youth on board so they can use them to apply for the grants to develop the 3G pitch and then drop them too. Funny how Needham Phoenix Youth wouldnt come on board this time hey. Horrid club who use all and sundry for their own gains.

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