Young Ipswich Town Fans Score Big at Creative Workshop
Children from Ipswich Town's fan base, aged 8-12, were invited to a special summer holiday activity at Portman Road stadium on Tuesday, August 18. The 'Singing the Blues' event, part of the Born & Read in Suffolk initiative, brought together literacy, creativity, and football in an unforgettable experience.
The free event, limited to 30 places, was led by award-winning author Francesca Armour-Chélu. The children created their own football club, designed team kits, invented club mascots, and wrote football chants inspired by the beautiful game. The session ended with a collective football chant, stadium photo opportunities, and a special appearance from ITFC mascot Bluey!
The children also received a goody bag to take away. Marjorie Barnes, head of community relations at Sizewell C, said: "Raising aspirations, building confidence, opening up opportunities, and helping people feel connected to the place where they live is at the core of much of our community outreach work at Sizewell C. Events like this bring that to life, creating a shared experience across generations and showing that reading isn’t just about books - it’s about imagination, communication, and giving people the confidence to see what might be possible for them."
Danielle Devonish, communications and marketing lead at Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, said: "We’ve loved being involved in the Born & Read campaign. The event at Ipswich Town Football Club was fantastic, with children hearing from award-winning author Francesca Armour-Chélu about ‘Singing the Blues’ and enjoying the football-themed creative workshop. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and highlights how important reading is for children."
Born & Read in Suffolk is delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, headline sponsor Sizewell C, and sponsor Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club. Follow the Born & Read in Suffolk campaign here, on socials using #BornAndRead2026, or email readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
Ipswich Town currently sits 11 points behind leaders Coventry in the title race. The team has scored 71 goals this season, conceding 42, with a +29 goal difference. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Championship, 75 pts, 21W-12D-8L from 41 games, recent form LWWDW.
