Richard Middleton has been appointed as the new executive director of the club's Education and Sports Trust (Ipswich Town EAST). Middleton is a former Major in the Army Air Corps and has been working for the Ipswich and District Council for Voluntary Service for the last five years.

Ipswich Town EAST offers coaching, education and fun experiences to youngsters aged 5-16 years.

Middleton says he is looking forward to starting his new role on June 1st: “I have the greatest respect for David Brooks, community projects manager, and Sacha Frost, education project manager, who have developed the Trust and its activities, and collectively we want to add to the programme and enhance its effectiveness using the power of football and other sports to bring all the benefits of healthy lifestyle, learning, participation in sport, building self-esteem, supporting local schools and quality of coaching at grassroots together.

“This is an exciting opportunity to become part of one of the county's truly dynamic community enterprises and I am looking forward to being part of its development.”

Community projects manager David Brooks welcomed Middleton to the club: “We are all really looking forward to working with Richard who will help us to meet many of the aims we have for the Trust, and the community as a whole. With his diverse background and desire to see the Trust succeed the future is very exciting.”

Club chairman David Sheepshanks said: “Richard has proven himself to be a first class operator at Ipswich Community Voluntary Services where he has played a major part in their successful growth.

“I am delighted that he has agreed to join us in a similar role as we move to further enhance the activities of Ipswich Town Education and Sports Trust.

“We now look to build on our active sports participation and educational roles as well as adding a healthy living diet and fitness programme for schools. Richard's knowledge, leadership and network of contacts will be immensely valuable in supporting our excellent staff in achieving our objective.”

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