
First Bus & Ipswich Town Foundation give local families a day to remember at historic Women's Team victory
First Bus and the Ipswich Town Football Club Foundation teamed up to create an unforgettable day for local families, as they took a busload of supporters to watch Ipswich Town FC Women’s team secure a stunning 8-0 victory against Cheltenham Town and win promotion to the Championship.
Working closely with the Foundation, First Bus invited families with children at The Willows Primary School in Ipswich to enjoy a special day out. First Bus provided free match tickets, transport on one of their buses to and from the ground in Felixstowe, as well as food and drink for all attending families.
Ipswich Town Foundation is the official charity of Ipswich Town FC, using the power of the badge to deliver 29 diverse and innovative programmes to around 9,000 young people and vulnerable adults on a weekly basis.
First Bus is a regional sponsor of Ipswich Town FC's men's team, sponsor of the women’s team with its logo featured on the women’s travel kit, and an ongoing supporter of the Foundation’s community work. First Bus were also match sponsors of the historic sell-out game.
James McCluskey, Commercial Director at First Bus East of England, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support Ipswich Town FC Women, the Foundation, and the wider club. To see the women’s team achieve such a fantastic 8-0 victory and win promotion to the Championship was an amazing moment for everyone involved.
“We’re delighted that we were able to offer families from Ipswich the chance to attend and be part of the celebrations. A huge congratulations to the team on their success – what an inspiration for the next generation of young fans.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ipswich Town Football Club and the Foundation to help connect communities and support the future of sport in the region.”
James Payne, Head of Community Engagement at the Ipswich Town Foundation, added: “We are incredibly grateful to First Bus for providing transport, tickets and food for the families. Giving children the chance to experience live sporting events is so important – it creates lasting memories, fosters community pride and inspires young people to get involved in sport.”
One parent who attended the day out said: “Thank you so much to First Bus and Ipswich Town Foundation, me and the kids had such an awesome day with such a lovely bunch of people, made even better by the win!”
For more information on First Bus and its services, please visit the First Bus website.
Notes to editors
Image Captions:
Various images of families and children from The Willows Primary School in Ipswich who travelled with First Bus to the game.
L-R: Claire Bear, Senior Marketing Manager at First Bus, Woman of the Match Sophie Peskett, and Claire Quinton-Tulloch, PR Manager at First Bus.
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