THIS weekend’s KBB Suffolk FA Grassroots Festival promises to be the biggest and most diverse yet.

The two-day World Cup themed festival has moved from its home in recent years at Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich across town to Whitton United FC.

This is the first time that the festival has been hosted by a grassroots Suffolk club, after previously being staged at Portman Road and Trinity Park, before moving to Gainsborough Sports Centre.

Nearly 140 teams have signed up to participate in the festival, which is free-of-charge, and starts at 10am on both Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a disability festival and 11v11 football for the first time, plus a County Cup Final for the first time in four years, making for a varied weekend of all different formats and competitions.

The Crown Imperial Girls’ Under-13 Cup Final between Beccles Town and Ipswich Valley Rangers will take place on the Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm.

In addition to the football for all the family to enjoy, Ipswich Town mascots Bluey and Crazee are scheduled to make an appearance, while Total Football and Phoenix Sporting Goods will have stalls.

On Sunday only Ball Launcher, which allows teams and coaches to have a practice session with the football serving machine, will be present. To see the Ball Launcher in operation click here

Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Jodie Allard said: “The KBB Grassroots Festival is a highlight in the calendar of the Suffolk FA team, and we can’t wait to welcome all players, parents and coaches attending to Whitton United for this year’s World Cup-themed celebration of Suffolk football. 

“With formats ranging from 5 to 11-a-side, Under-7s to adults and a whole range of abilities, we hope this will be our biggest and most diverse festival ever. 

“This festival could not take place without the commitment and support of staff, coaches, referees and parents, and we thank you in advance for your contributions towards creating a positive festival experience for everyone involved.”

Suffolk FA Youth & Mini Soccer Football Development Officer James Morley added: “This will be my fifth festival in total and another new challenge taking it to a different venue from all the ones that I have been involved in. 

“It is an exciting prospect that I am looking forward to and welcoming our local Youth teams along for another great fun-packed football weekend to celebrate everything about Suffolk Grassroots Football.”

Whitton United will be providing food and drink available to purchase on site for those coming to watch.

Parking for the event for all teams will be on the adjoining Anglia Retail Park (Postcode IP1 5QP), and there will be signs showing how to make your way onto the site from the car park. 

Action from last year’s KBB Suffolk FA Grassroots Festival at Gainsborough Sports Centre is pictured above.