Pupils at two Ipswich primary schools were treated to a special visit this week – by the Premier League trophy and the local MP.
The Ipswich Town Foundation delivered assemblies at The Willows Primary School, in Downing Close, and Halifax Primary School, in Prince of Wales Drive, to highlight the role football can play in people’s lives.
The charity also linked these talks to Premier League values as part of the delivery of programmes associated with the competition, such as Primary Stars, which aims to inspire children to lead active lives.
Ipswich MP and Dan Palfrey from the Ipswich Town Foundation with the Premier League trophy. Picture: Ipswich Town Foundation
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich. was also present at the schools to welcome a visit from the Premier League trophy.
The pupils were given the chance to take photos with the trophy and ask Mr Abbott questions about his role as a public representative.
Some even won tickets to the Tractor Boys’ next fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion on January 16.
Assemblies were also delivered. Picture: Ipswich Town Foundation
Dan Palfrey, director of the Ipswich Town Foundation, said it was fantastic to host Mr Abbott and show him how the Premier League Stars was being delivered across the town.
After two years, the Ipswich Town Foundation now delivers the Primary Stars scheme to 14 schools in the town.
Mr Palfrey added: “The Willows and Halifax are two schools we work very closely with, providing a range of educational sessions using the power of the Ipswich Town badge – having the Premier League Trophy to visit was a great added addition to an exciting day for the town.”
Mr Abbott said it was a pleasure to surprise hundreds of children with the trophy.
He felt the boost the competition brought was ‘not just economic’ but that it, as well as Ipswich Town, inspired joy in so many people.
Mr Abbott added: “You could see that by how excited the kids were.
“My thanks go to the Premier League and ITFC for their engagement and generosity, and for giving the children lasting memories.”