Sizewell C partners with Ipswich Town Foundation on youth programmes
Sizewell C has become the official outreach partner of Ipswich Town Foundation in a three-year deal that will bring Premier League education and football programmes to schools in Leiston and Ipswich.
Why it matters: The partnership will deliver new education, mental health and personal development opportunities to young people and adults across the region, with at least two Ipswich Town first-team players set to make annual visits to Leiston as part of community initiatives.
The details: The agreement will see Ipswich Town Foundation – the charitable arm of Ipswich Town Football Club – introduce its Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires programmes to Leiston schools, while extending both schemes to more schools in Ipswich.
The three-year deal also includes:
- Five free-to-access soccer schools per year in Leiston
- Turn Up and Play football sessions for adults experiencing mental health-related challenges in Leiston and Ipswich
- Health and wellbeing sessions for the Sizewell C workforce
- Expansion of the Foundation's DIVERT outreach programme to another primary school in Ipswich
The bigger picture: Since relaunching in 2019, Ipswich Town Foundation has been delivering programmes across Suffolk and its borders, reaching over 9,000 young people and vulnerable adults across 29 programmes each week. Its Premier League Primary Stars programme has already reached nearly 2,000 children in primary schools across Suffolk.
Earlier this year, Sizewell C announced construction is underway on a new sports development at Alde Valley Academy in Leiston – including a FIFA-approved 3G artificial grass pitch and a multi-use games area for tennis, netball and basketball – which is expected to serve as a focal point for the new partnership.
What they're saying: Nigel Cann, chief executive of Sizewell C, said: "Football is such a powerful way of reaching people and delivering life-changing opportunities. The Ipswich Town Foundation has been doing an incredible job improving lives and aspirations in this county for several years – and I'm delighted that we can support them to do even more.
"By delivering educational programmes in our host town of Leiston, as well as extending their work in Ipswich, the Foundation could be transformational for lots of people here. It's going to be a really important partnership, and I can't wait to see the impact it's going to have in our region."
Dan Palfrey, director of Ipswich Town Foundation, said: "Their investment in, and belief in, our work will have a hugely positive impact on young people and adults in Leiston and Ipswich over the next three years. We know how powerful football can be as a tool for engagement, allowing us to reach participants in a unique way and create meaningful outcomes through the power of Ipswich Town Football Club."
The bottom line: The partnership brings together one of Suffolk's biggest infrastructure projects and the football club in a bid to expand education and wellbeing provision for young people in both Leiston and Ipswich over the next three years.
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