Ipswich Town will provide football placements

Ipswich Town has partnered with its local university to provide students with behind-the-scenes work experience at a professional football club.

The Tractor Boys have announced that the University of Suffolk will work with them for three and a half years.

During this period, students would be able to broaden their skill set at Portman Road, while the university’s branding would be visible on the ground.

Mark Ashton, chief executive of Ipswich Town, said he was “delighted” with the opportunity to give student placements.

He went on to say: “Both the football club and university share many of the same values and both take great pride in showcasing the best of our county to the wider world, which we both believe to be a vital part of our roles within our community.”

Prof Gurpreet Jagpal, vice chancellor for business and entrepreneurship at the university, stated that it has “a central role to play in building the success and community of Ipswich and Suffolk, and we are proud to support our county’s leading football club”.

“Our work with businesses is key to the area’s economic success and our partnership with the football club will also provide opportunities for our students,” he said in a statement.

Katie Pickard, president of the students’ union’s activities and wellbeing committee, stated that it was “incredibly important” for the institution to work with local companies to maintain the town’s success.

“The university and the football club are massive selling points of Ipswich and it’s great we can work together in promoting Ipswich,” she went on to say.

“Not only will this cooperation benefit current students and staff, but it will also serve as a strong selling point for prospective students.

“The fact our students will get to work with Ipswich Town FC for their placements is an incredible opportunity.”