WHITES LINK UP TO NEW BLUES’ SCHEME

CAMBRIDGE CITY have forged a partnership with Ipswich Town to launch an Elite Player Development Centre (EPDC) Programme.

The new EPDC will give talented young players in Cambridge the opportunity to train on a weekly basis with Ipswich’s coaching staff.

It is hoped the EPDC programme will play a key role in developing players over the course of the season – primarily for the BetVictor Isthmian North division Whites - and to further identify players who have the ability of progressing through the Player Development pathway into Ipswich’s Advanced Training Centre (ATC) and Academy squads. Cambridge City chairman Kevin Satchell explained: “We are delighted to form this partnership with Ipswich Town.

“It enhances our commitment to make our already excellent youth programme even better. Having a partnership with a club like Ipswich and the many benefits it provides will ensure that it will attract the very best in youth talent to Cambridge City.”

This is the second local link-up of its kind involved the League One Tractor Boys, who also have a similar arrangement with BetVictor Southern League Premier Central Needham Market, launched just three weeks ago.

Jason Curtis, head of the Ipswich Town Community Trust, added: “We is delighted to be working with Cambridge City Football Club.

“The new Elite Development Centre will create the right environment for players within the programme to continue their footballing journey with us. This will allow both organisations to provide endless opportunities and experiences which will be exciting for everyone involved.”

To launch the partnership, the two clubs are holding an initial open trials for talented young players from Under 7 to Under 12.

The first trials will be on Wednesday May 27 at Trumpington Community Centre, Cambridge, CB2 9FD.